Astros 3 - 6 Mariners
Final
  for this game

Mariners hope to build some momentum vs. Keuchel

Jun 20, 2015 - 1:44 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Seattle Mariners shoot for back-to-back wins for just the second time this month as they host the Houston Astros at Safeco Field in the second of a three-game set on Saturday night.

Seattle has alternated wins and losses over the last eight decisions, rebounding from a 7-0 shutout versus San Francisco on Thursday by capturing a 5-2 triumph versus the Astros in the series opener. Unfortunately for the Mariners, they are still five games under .500 at home and are the only team in the AL West that has a negative scoring differential (minus-47) currently.

In snapping a five-game win streak by Houston, the leader in the AL West by 2 1/2 games over Texas, starting pitcher Roenis Elias evened his record at 4-4 by giving up just two runs on four hits, while striking out 10 in his seven innings of work. Carson Smith eventually came on to grab his fourth save of the campaign.

On offense, Mark Trumbo finally showed some signs of life by knocking in three of his team's five runs, although he is still hitting just .188. Robinson Cano produced three hits and scored twice, while Nelson Cruz had a pair of hits and as many walks for the hosts.

"It's an important series. I can't kid you and say it's not," commented Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon. "It really is. This is important for us to make a statement and try to continue to move forward and do the things we need to do to get back in this race."

Lance McCullers was tagged with the loss for Houston as the starter surrendered five runs -- three earned -- on six hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings. McCullers, who is now 3-2, struck out six.

The meeting starting promising enough for the Astros as George Springer sent the very first pitch of the contest into the seats for his 11th home run of the season, but after that the visitors managed just three hits and one more run. Marwin Gonzalez had two of those hits, one being his fourth home run.

Prior to last night the Astros were 27-0 on the season when hitting multiple home runs.

Gunning for his ninth win of the campaign for Houston will be fourth-year man Dallas Keuchel. The left-hander has alternated wins and losses over his last five decisions, coming off a victory against Colorado on Monday at home.

In that contest Keuchel gave up three runs on four hits and a pair of walks, while striking out four in 6 2/3 innings of work. The hurler had a perfect game working through the first five frames before the Rockies finally broke through.

In seven previous appearances against Seattle, all but one of those being starts, Keuchel has a 3-3 mark with a 2.25 ERA.

Over on the other side, Taijuan Walker is hoping his recent efforts will carry over to tonight, having won two straight and three of his last four outings.

The right-hander went up against the San Francisco Giants on the road Monday and scattered seven hits, but permitted just a single earned run while fanning six over seven innings. In the last two games Walker, who is 3-1 in his career versus Houston, has surrendered only two runs on 15 hits and struck out 12.






Related News