Another Loss To Astros

It was another repeated loss in Houston to the Astros. The Astros had been struggling as of late but are now being able to beat the Mariners in two games in extra innings. I wanted to say overtime but that is a different game.

Tim Beckham hit a home run in the top of the second to put the Mariners on top 2-0; however, the Astros responded with five runs themselves in the bottom of the second inning. Three of the runs were earned so an error by Dee Gordon made a big difference in the game.

The Mariners may have won in regulation time. Gordon eventually left the game when Mac Williamson pitched hit for him then Dylan Moore who started in left field went to second base. Gordon had trouble with his legs. He is day to day so not sure whether he will start Sunday in the final game of the series.

The Mariners scored a run in the third to narrow the lead to 5-3. Domingo Santana had another home run to right field in the fifth inning and then Dan Vogelbach had his 20^th home run in the seventh inning to tie the game.

Yusei Kikuchi went five innings. He was followed by Dan Altavilla who looked good striking out two without walking a batter. If he can do that on a regular basis he can be a lot of help in the Mariner bullpen.

Anthony Bass went two innings only surrendering a walk. Roenis Elias who has been doing a good job coming out of the bullpen had a tough night giving up two hits and giving up the winning run in the bottom of the 10^th inning.

Yuli Gurriel who hit a home run Friday night hit a double in the 10^th inning to win this game for the Astros. It was his only hit of the game. Good timing on his part for sure. He is another player the Mariners need to watch pitching to when they are in a close game. Should have not pitched to him with a runner on second base; Elias could have walked him.

Again the Mariners were unable to get to the Astros bullpen after scoring four runs off of Justin Verlander. Have to take advantage of the situation when you can get to a pitcher of Verlander’s stature. Don’t get an opportunity to beat him very often.   

The Mariners now play the final game of the series Sunday to see if they can scratch out a victory on the Astros and come home with a 3-3 record on this road trip. Marco Gonzales who has pitched well for most of June goes for the Mariners on the last game of June so hopefully, this is a good sign. He faces Gerrit Cole so likely will be another tight game.

They say that Mitch Haniger will likely be out until after the all-star break. Actually I thought that was the case already. I guess they wanted us to know once again. Now we have to wonder if the Mariners make any trades before the all-star break or we will have to wait until the break or after.

At least this year we don’t have to hear about a contract extension for Jerry Dipoto and Scott Servais. This was the time the Mariners went on the skid for the rest of last season. At least this year the skid has already happened so hopefully, we will see some good action the rest of the way. On the positive note, they beat Milwaukee Brewers on the road in interleague play while losing last year to Colorado. So maybe a better picture; we will see so go M’s.