Game No.9 Preview: Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners

Houston Astros (4-4) vs. Seattle Mariners (2-6), April 11 2017, 9;10 PM CDT

TV: ROOTS
Radio; KBME 790, La Nueva 94.1 FM
Online MLB.TV
Mariners SBNation Blog; Lookout Landing

Pitching Matchup

RHP Joe Musgrove (0-0, 3.60 ERA, 1.60 WHIP) vs. LHP Ariel Miranda(0-0 3.60 ERA, 1.60 WHIP)

Preview

The Astros start their second road game of the season vs the Mariners. Unfortunately for the Astros, the Mariners have suddenly found their swing. Meanwhile, the Astros still can’t seem to catch a break. If the Astros hope to win, they have to make contact against Miranda. That won’t be easy as Miranda was solid April 6th against the Astros. In that game, Miranda allowed two runs off of five hits, three walks, and struck out four. Similarly, Musgrove allowed two runs off of five hits and struck out two.

If the Astros hope for any chance of winning, they will need to capitalize when runners are in scoring position. In the fifth inning of Thursday’s game, the Astros had the bases loaded with no outs. Altuve proceeded to ground into a double play. Then Beltran lined out to end the inning. Unfortunately for the Astros their starters efforts have gone to waste because of a lack of offense. An offense so bad that they have only outscored three teams ( Baltimore, Atlanta, Toronto). This offense has the potential to be a top ten offense, but the team can’t find it’s rhythm with RISP.

Matchup to Watch: Joe Musgrove vs. Nelson Cruz

In Monday's game, Cruz drove in two runs on three hits. For the Astros to win, Musgrove will need to control every at bat against Cruz.