Astros 8, Mariners 2: Astros blast their way to a series win

Things didn’t start well for the Astros. Top prospect Francis Martes lasted just two innings in his third career start. But somehow the Astros offense and bullpen did the job to hold the line and get a series win over the Seattle Mariners with an 8-2 win on Sunday.

The Astros got home runs from George Springer and Yuli Gurriel to put Houston up 4-2 in the fourth inning. Evan Gattis put the game away with a two-run home run in the Astros’ second four-run inning in the ninth.

Michael Feliz, Chris Devenski, Will Harris, and Luke Gregerson pitched seven scoreless in relief. Chris Devenski did lion’s share of the work with 2 ²⁄₃ innings, allowing just one hit and striking out two.

The Mariners worked over Martes in two innings, fouling off pitch after pitch. He was at 63 pitches through two innings when he was pulled.

The Mariners runs came in the second inning with Martes loaded the bases with a single, a walk, and a hit-by-pitch. Robinson Cano laced a double to center, allowing Gullermo Heredia and Taylor Motter to score. Mitch Haniger attempted to score from first but was gunned down by the Astros relay to the plate. The call at the plate was reviewed and upheld.