Astros 2, Mariners 1: Springer, McCullers provide firepower in Astros win

It doesn't get much better than watching a baseball game on Independence Day in America. I take that back it could be a little better with an Astros win. The Astros did their part for the July 4 holiday in Houston with a 2-1 win in the first game of a three game series against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park.

The drama started early for Lance McCullers who was coming back to the rotation after missing one start with a blister. Former Ranger Leonys Martin triple up on Tal's hill in the first at-bat of the game. McCullers struck out Seth Smith and Robinson Cano. Cano raced to first on a dropped strike three, Jason Castro threw to first for the out. Martin attempted to score after throw to first but Marwin Gonzalez and Lance McCullers worked perfectly to get the out at home to end the inning.

The Astros offense looked ready to break the game open early in the bottom of the first. George Springer hit a double, Marwin Gonzalez single, and Carlos Correa walked. Luis Valbuena lifted a ball to dead center to score Springer. But Mariners' starter Wade Miley kept the score 1-0 with a lineout from Carlos Gomez.

The Mariners threatened again the second and tied the game 1-1. Kyle Seager picked up a double as a result of fan interference and Dae-Ho Lee ripped a ball over George Springer's head to score Seager.

Springer supplied his 19th home run of the season and his second home run in as many days to put Houston up 2-1. It would be all Houston needed with McCullers on the mound. The young right hander struck out 10 and held the high-powered Mariners to just five hits in the game.

Will Harris and Luke Gregerson pitched a clean final two innings of the game. Harris picked up his eighth save of the season.