Mariners 3, Astros 2: Trogdor burninates but not when it counts

Really? J.A. Happ? Did you have to lose to J.A. Freaking Happ?

It's just the principal of the thing, you understand? Happ? Really?

The Astros came oh, so close to a sweep of their division rivals, the Seattle Mariners. Plenty of good things happened. Chris Carter hit his first home run of the season. Colby Rasmus picked up two hits and a double, continuing his recent hot streak. Jake Marisnick got another hit, George Springer stole a base and Jose Altuve collected a pair of hits. Even Fauxsto had a quality start, giving up six hits and three runs in seven innings.

Yet, those pale in comparison to Houston's chance to win the game that failed. The Astros loaded the bases in the top of the eighth and had Chris Carter at the plate. The hulking first baseman has killed Seattle pitching when in Safeco Field. He already had two hits at that point, including the aforementioned home run and he hadn't even struck out yet.

He did, though. He did.

Carter's K ended that rally, leaving three stranded. Houston left 16 runners on base in the game, failing to convert on more than just that opportunity. In comparison, the Mariners only left six on base.

And, yes, Happ did baffle the Astros. He gave up eight hits and two runs, but he didn't walk a batter and struck out five. In case you were wondering, Happ only had one start with the Astros where he didn't walk at least one batter. That came on July 30 in Milwaukee, when he struck out six in five innings (and still lost). That's 59 starts in Houston and just one with no free passes. He's started three games for the Mariners and already has two with no walks.

Thanks for nothing, Happ.

At any rate, we get a break until Friday, when Houston reconvenes in Oakland and hopes to restart that winning streak.