Astros, AL West and Seattle Mariners
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The Mariners are one game into their four-game series with the Angels at T-Mobile Park. They have one of the easiest remaining schedules in baseball. The Astros are done with the Blue Jays and will open a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday.
Astros’ AL West lead is slipping as the Mariners surge within one game. Injuries, bullpen woes, and key matchups loom in September.
The Seattle Mariners had been gradually shrinking the gap in the American League West, and in a Thursday night thriller, they finally caught the Astros (79-68). Fans can certainly point to injuries, as Houston has been without impactful contributors for large stretches of the season, but the lineup is also underachieving.
Jose Altuve has been the face of the Houston Astros franchise since he debuted for the organization 15 seasons ago in 2011.
Houston Chronicle on MSN8h
Houston Astros' offense strikes early again in beating Atlanta Braves, keeping pace in AL West
Their offense struck early both nights. After the outburst backed a bullpen game in the opener, Houston sent Hunter Brown to the mound Saturday. Its co-ace bulled through an effective start, working into the seventh inning of a 6-2 win over the non-contending Braves.