Astros 8, Mariners 4: Six-Run Sixth Helps Astros Cut Into WC Deficit

Well, they're not done yet.

The Houston Astros moved to 2.5 games back of the second wild card spot in the American League with an 8-4 win over the Seattle Mariners Wednesday.

For the second time in the last 10 days, the Astros got to Seattle ace Felix Hernandez. Houston scored a pair of runs in the first inning on a Jose Altuve RBI double - his 96th RBI of the season. Then it was Carlos Correa picking up his 96th RBI of 2016 by knocking in Altuve.

Seattle, however, scored one in the first as well, along with two in the second and one in the third off Houston starter Mike Fiers. The right-hander was able to settle down and finish five innings of work, but he left in line for the loss.

The Astros rescued Fiers, though, as Seattle's fielding jumpstarted the Houston rally. It looked as if Yuli Gurriel was grounding into a 6-3 double play, but Mariners shortstop Ketel Marte threw wide of first. An alert Altuve scored from second to make it 4-3, Mariners.

After Tony Kemp walked, it was Alex Bregman (welcome back!) singling to left-center to tie the game as Gurriel scored. Another error allowed Jake Marisnick to reach, and the suddenly hot George Springer gave the Astros the lead with a two-run ground-rule double. Marwin Gonzalez finally chased Hernandez by singling to center, scoring Springer and Marisnick.

Tuesday night was a good bullpen night as Jandel Gustave picked up the win with 1.1 scoreless innings. Chris Devenski continued his stellar season with 1.1 scoreless of his own, and Pat Neshek pitched a 1-2-3 ninth.

While the Astros did come within 2.5 of Baltimore, who lost Tuesday, Seattle (2.0 games back) and Detroit (1.0 game back) remain between Houston and the Orioles.

Houston has four games remaining while Baltimore, Seattle and Detroit all have five to go.