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Mariners resume playoff push in Houston

Sep 19, 2014 - 2:49 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Seattle Mariners try to continue their push toward the postseason on Friday when they kick off a three-game series with the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Seattle managed to split a four-game series with the American League West champion Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim with a thrilling win on Thursday, as Logan Morrison hit a three-run homer in the top of the ninth to lift the Mariners to a 3-1 win.

"That was the biggest hit of my life," said Morrison. "We're in a race and we need every win. We have a bunch of guys who don't know how to quit."

Seattle now sits one game behind Oakland for the AL's second wild card spot and will turn to young right-hander and top pitching prospect Taijuan Walker on Friday. Walker, though, hasn't started since July 23 and is 1-2 on the year with a 2.96 ERA.

Walker could become a big factor for the Mariners, as fellow rookie Roenis Elias is experiencing elbow problems and is likely done for the remainder of the season.

"Obviously, with the concerns we have with Elias, it's an opportunity for him to step up and move into the rotation," Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said. "I think in a lot of ways, it's a real good experience for him. Obviously, this has been a tough year for him in a lot of different ways. I think he's starting to grow up a little bit from a mental standpoint and starting to 'get it,' so to speak. This is good for him."

Walker has had success against Houston, going 2-0 with a 2.81 ERA in three starts.

Houston, meanwhile, will counter with righty Brad Peacock, who is 4-8 with a 4.80 ERA. Peacock hasn't pitched since Sept.8 when he tossed five scoreless innings in Seattle and did not get a decision.

Peacock was then scratched from his next scheduled start because of soreness in his lower back.

"The extra days of rest might help him," interim manager Tom Lawless said. "I'm sure he'll go 100 [mph]-plus if he's out there doing his thing, and we'll monitor it just to make sure. We'll ask him how he's doing every day and every inning and ... take it from there."

Houston has lost five of its last seven games.

Seattle has won nine of its 16 matchups with the Astros this season.