Mariners vs Astros Recap: Seattle’s big 8-3 win sparks comeback surge

The Seattle Mariners came to Houston ready for battle on Thursday, May 14, facing the Astros at their home stadium. Seattle entered the game looking to bounce back after losing a close contest the previous night, while Houston struggled with a losing record. The Mariners wasted no time making an impact. In the very first inning, Raley stepped up and crushed a fastball deep to left center field, launching it 368 feet into the stands. The ball sailed over the wall with authority, bringing Donovan and Arozarena home ahead of him. Suddenly, Seattle led 3-0 before Houston even got their first at-bat. Luis Castillo was on the mound for the Mariners, anchoring one of baseball's most balanced pitching rotations. The Astros, meanwhile, were adjusting to life without longtime ace Framber Valdez, who had left in free agency.

Although Houston scored their first run in the third inning when Alvarez launched a massive home run over center field—a rocket traveling 422 feet—Seattle maintained control of the game. The Mariners' pitching staff held firm despite the long ball. In the fourth inning, Garver came through in the clutch for Seattle, smashing a two-run homer over the left field wall with Crawford on base. Seattle extended their lead to 5-1, and the Astros were struggling to keep pace. The sixth inning proved to be pivotal for both teams. Young delivered a crucial double down the right field line for Seattle, scoring two more runs and pushing the lead to 7-1. Houston answered back when Shewmake doubled to left, bringing home two runners of their own. However, trailing 7-3, the Astros couldn't manufacture enough offense to challenge the Mariners' dominance.

By the eighth inning, Seattle had taken complete control of the game. Crawford added another run with a double to center field, bringing Raley home and extending the Mariners' advantage to 8-3. The Astros managed little offense throughout the contest, managing only five hits compared to Seattle's eleven. Meanwhile, the Mariners' pitching depth proved to be their greatest strength, just as their storyline had promised. Though some key players like Will Wilson remained injured, the team's rotation and bullpen—anchored by closer Andrés Muñoz—shut down Houston effectively. When the final out was recorded, Seattle had earned an 8-3 victory. The Mariners improved to 22-23 with the win, bouncing back from their previous loss. Houston, meanwhile, fell to 17-28, continuing their struggles in what had become a tough season. This game showcased exactly why Seattle's balanced pitching staff makes them dangerous night after night.