Game No. 3 Preview: Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners

Houston Astros (2-0) vs. Seattle Mariners (0-2), April 5, 2017, 7:10 PM CT

TV: ROOTSW Alternate
Radio: KBME 790 AM, La Nueva 94.1 FM
Online: MLB.TV
Mariners SBNation Blog: Lookout Landing

Pitching Matchup

RHP Charlie Morton (1-1, 4.15 ERA, 1.33 WHIP in 2016) vs. LHP James Paxton (6-7, 3.79 ERA, 1.31 WHIP in 2016)

Preview

Charlie Morton was the first target of the offseason for Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow. It was a bit of surprise since he has been a less than spectacular 33-year-old that missed much of the 2016 season.

But Luhnow's faith paid off early in Spring Training (of course spring training doesn't count) with a 2-0 with a 1.04 ERA in five starts (17 1/3 innings). Morton is 1-4 with a 7.71 ERA in five career starts at Minute Maid Park. He will make his first career start against the Astros.

James Paxton has been just as successful during Spring Training. He was 1-0 with 3.00 ERA in four games (three starts). He struck out 15 and walked two in 12 innings.

Key Matchup: George Springer vs. James Paxton

George Springer is the only Astro with a home run against Paxton in 82 at-bats. Springer will again need to be the spark as he was on opening day.