Astros Win

We shouldn’t be surprised the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners Tuesday night 3-0.

Justin Dunn pitched two good innings as the Mariner opener without giving up a run. He looked like the pitcher the Mariners will have next year and the years ahead. The, unfortunately, the Mariners have to take on the Astros who have the best starting staff in baseball.

The Mariners were only able to get two hits off of Astros' starter Gerrit Cole who went seven innings. Also, Cole struck out 14 Mariner batters while walking none. Other words, he was dominating in the game. Cole is now 19-5 with an ERA of 2.52. He has four wins without a defeat against the Mariners. He has struck 14 Mariner batters in three of the four games.  JP Crawford and Dee Gordon each had two hits in the game. Only Mariners with any hits.

Gerrit Cole will be a free agent going into next season. It would be nice if the Mariners could sign him. They do have money available with Felix Hernandez contract ending. He would be a good signing for the Mariners to have an ace on the squad.

Tommy Milone went four and one-third innings for the Mariners. He gave up three runs on three hits. The Astros scored a run in the fourth inning and two more in the seventh inning before Milone left the game. Milone gave up a home run in the seventh inning.

Yusei Kikuchi will be making his last start of the season for the Mariners on Wednesday night. He will be followed by Felix Hernandez on Thursday night making likely his final appearance for the Mariners. However, long Felix pitches he should get loud applause when he leaves the game.

It is amazing to think the season is now down to five games. It will be another interesting off-season speculating on any more moves Jerry Dipoto will make to bolster the roster as part of the rebuild. Go M’s.