In a thrilling extra-inning showdown, the Houston Astros finally broke free from their recent slump, edging the Seattle Mariners 4-3 on Wednesday night. The victory not only snapped a four-game losing streak for Houston but also ended a frustrating nine-game skid against their division rivals.
The game's hero was Zach Cole, who delivered a clutch RBI single in the 10th inning. With Brice Matthews starting the extra frame as the automatic runner on second, a wild pitch from Mariners reliever Alex Hoppe (0-1) moved Matthews to third. Cole, tying a career high with three hits on the night, then punched a grounder to right field to bring home the winning run.
Christian Walker provided the early spark for Houston, launching a solo home run in the sixth inning to cut Seattle's lead to 2-1. The Astros then loaded the bases in the eighth, and veteran Jose Altuve—who became just the fifth player in franchise history to reach 900 RBIs—came through with a sacrifice fly to put Houston ahead.
However, the Mariners refused to go quietly. In the top of the ninth, Julio Rodríguez drew a bases-loaded walk against Bryan King to tie the game at 3-3, setting the stage for Cole's heroics in the 10th.
Seattle's offense was powered by solo home runs from J.P. Crawford and Luke Raley. Crawford led off the game with a blast, and Raley's sixth-inning shot chased Houston starter Lance McCullers, who allowed two runs over 5 1/3 innings.
Mariners starter Bryce Miller, making his season debut after recovering from a strained left oblique, was solid in his return, giving up two runs and eight hits over 5 1/3 innings.
The game also featured a brief 12-minute delay in the sixth inning when home plate umpire Roberto Ortiz was struck in the mask by a foul ball off Braden Shewmake's bat. First base umpire Alex MacKay shifted behind the plate to finish the game.
Looking ahead, the series finale on Thursday promises more drama as Seattle sends veteran right-hander Luis Castillo (0-4, 6.57 ERA) to the mound, still searching for his first win of the season. The Astros will counter with righty Mike Burrows (2-4, 5.04 ERA).