SEATTLE (AP) — Randy Arozarena hit a grand slam In the eighth inning, they tied the game, and in the ninth, they secured the win with a walk-off hit as the Seattle Mariners staged an impressive comeback, scoring seven runs in the last two frames to defeat the Houston Astros 7-6 on Wednesday.
Arozarena's home run cut Seattle's deficit to just one run. However, the Astros extended their lead to 6-4 when Jeremy Peña crossed home plate due to a wild pitch by Casey Lawrence (1-0) during the top of the ninth inning.
Julio Rodríguez delivered a two-run double in the bottom half to tie it, and a walk to Mitch Garver loaded the bases. Houston got a forceout at home before Bryan Abreu (0-1) walked Arozarena on a full count.
It appeared that the Astros had control of the game following Hunter Brown’s performance, where he threw two hits across six scoreless innings. The Astros held a commanding 5-0 advantage heading into the eighth inning against a Mariners squad that managed only one hit out of nineteen opportunities when runners were in scoring position, as seen in their 2-1 defeat in 12 innings on Tuesday night.
Called up from the minor leagues on Wednesday to bolster an exhausted pitching staff, Lawrence took the mound for the last three innings, conceding two runs and four hits. Luis F. Castillo got the start for Seattle and delivered 100 pitches across four innings, permitting four runs—three of which were earned—in what was just his second appearance in the majors.
The Mariners were without infielder Ryan Bliss He was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a torn left biceps. In other moves, Seattle brought up infielder Leo Rivas from the minors. Additionally, pitcher Jesse Hahn was designated for assignment.
Key moment
Replay review confirmed that Seattle's Donovan Solano returned to third base safely before being tagged out by Isaac Paredes during a fielder’s choice ground ball in the ninth inning. This set the stage for Rodríguez, who then hit a double with the bases loaded, tying up the game.
Key statArozarena had a performance of 2 hits out of 3 at-bats including a double, walked twice, and drove in five runs from the cleanup position, boosting his batting average to .191.
Up nextHouston had yet to reveal their starting pitcher for facing RHP Jack Kochanowicz (1-0, 3.27 ERA), who was set to play against them at home on Friday night with the Angels.
The Mariners' right-handed pitcher Bryce Miller (0-2, 5.73 ERA) will take the mound against Texas' right-handed pitcher Jacob deGrom (0-0, 3.38 ERA) on Friday evening.
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