Mariners Lose Bragging Rights After Game 2 of Astros Series

All day today on Seattle sports radio I heard incredulous talk show hosts telling anyone who would listen that improbable as it sounded the Mariners passed the world champion Houston Astros last night to take over second place in the AL West. They had run their record to 9-5, and James Paxton and the core relievers had shut down the Astros after George Springer's leadoff HR in the first inning for a 2-1 win.

Robbie Cano rounding third base after his first inning HR.

Tonight I got to go to the game with my son, and we gleefully watched Robbie Cano put the Mariners ahead 1-0 in the first inning by pulling what looked like a breaking pitch into the L field stands. This was the end of the celebration, as although Ariel Miranda pitched well, holding Houston to one run over 5 innings, to leave with the game tied at 1-1, Dan Altivilla promptly walked the leadoff hitter in the 6th and Houston catcher Brian McCann promptly homered to make it 3-1 Houston. The Mariners did manage two hits late in the game, but really never threatened. Any hint of a threat in the bottom of the 9th died when Robbie Cano lined into a double play when Jean Segura was either running in a hit-and-run or trying to steal with one out, ending the game.

Things will seem more normal in the morning, with the Mariners again trailing both the Angels (who lost tonight to Boston as Ohtani went just 2 innings, giving up 3 runs in his first MLB loss) and Houston.

Maybe tomorrow, with Leake on the mound we can jump back into second place. Hope springs eternal, even for Mariners fans.

True to the Blue.