Astros Blowout Loss
Astros Suffer 10-5 Blowout Loss to Mariners, Wesnesky Struggles on Mound
The Seattle Mariners handed the Houston Astros a 10-5 blowout at Daikin Park, outhitting them 15-8 and exposing nearly every weakness Houston has. Houston Chronicle reported that little went right for the Astros, who committed two fielding errors, suffered a baserunning blunder, and got just four innings from their starter.
The loss dropped Houston to 63-61 on the season. The Astros still hold a 2½-game lead in the AL West, pending the Texas Rangers' result, TSN noted. But the performance was a warning sign for a team with playoff hopes.
Cole Young Ties Career High with Four RBIs
Mariners rookie Cole Young was the story of the night. He went 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs, tying a career high, according to Newsday. His three-run shot in the ninth inning put the game well out of reach and capped a dominant team performance.
Seattle scored 10 runs on 15 hits. The win was the Mariners' second in three games after a brutal six-game losing streak, MLB.com reported. The team badly needed a statement performance, and Young delivered one.
Wesneski's Return Hits a Rough Patch
Hayden Wesneski started for Houston and lasted just four innings. Houston Chronicle noted this was the roughest outing of his four starts since returning from Tommy John surgery. It was also his first start on four days' rest since coming back, which may have played a role.
Tommy John surgery is a procedure that repairs the elbow ligament and often requires over a year of recovery. Wesneski's short outing forced the Houston bullpen to eat five innings against a hot Seattle lineup — a tough ask for any staff.
Astros' Defense and Baserunning Add to the Damage
Houston's problems went beyond pitching. The Astros committed two defensive errors during the game. Outfielder Taylor Trammell also made a costly baserunning mistake, Houston Chronicle reported. Those extra outs and free bases helped Seattle pile on runs early and often.
Being outhit 15-8 while also giving away outs on the bases and in the field is a tough combination to overcome. Houston managed just eight hits against Seattle pitching, with Emerson Hancock limiting the Astros' offense, according to Seattle PI.
Astros Still Alive in AL West Race Despite Loss
Houston's late-game offense showed some life. Isaac Paredes hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning. But by then the deficit was too deep. Seattle's 10-5 final score was never seriously in doubt after the first few frames.
Despite the blowout, the Astros kept their AL West lead at 2½ games, Las Vegas Sun noted. Houston will face Seattle again in the final game of the series, with a chance to salvage a series win. The Astros need a bounce-back effort after one of their worst all-around performances of the second half.
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