Game 21 Preview: Astros vs. Mariners

Houston vs. Seattle, 1:10 PM CT

TV: CSN Houston
Radio: KBME 790 AM
Mariners SBNation Blog: Lookout Landing

Pitching Match

RHP Lucas Harrell (1-2 / 4.98 ERA / 1.71 WHIP) vs. RHP Joe Saunders (1-2 / 4.50 ERA / 1.59 WHIP)

Preview

You take the good with the bad. The Astros win, but loose Justin Maxwell to a fractured hand. As a result, Robbie Grossman has gotten the call up to the majors and is starting today. Leading off in fact. Astros G.M. said today on twitter, "Welcome to the Big Leagues, Robbie Grossman... grab a bat, you are hitting first!" Grossman and Lucas Harrell will be looking to win their second series again the M's this month.

Speaking of Lucas Harrell, he has lasted past the fifth inning in all of his starts except one - Oakland shellacked Harrell for 8 runs in 4.1 innings. Harrell has only allowed three earned runs over his past 11 1/3 innings of work. Joe Saunders, Harrell's opponent has had a rough go of it on the round (11.42 ERA in two starts). The one shinning moment thus far in Saunders's season was six scoreless innings against the Astros in Seattle. Saunders scattered six hits, walked one, and struck out five in that one start.

The Astros will need to muster up some excitement for the daytime crowd in Houston. Let's play some lunchtime baseball.