Mariners Game Preview #157: 9/23/24, SEA at HOU

Mariners open biggest series of the season since last biggest series of the season

The Mariners limp into Houston coming off an agonizing loss in Texas on Sunday. While it’s hard to sweep any team, the Mariners had that game in their grasp, hitting the magic number of five runs scored, only for the pitching staff to let the lead evaporate, letting the team down after they’ve been so solid all season. Now things get even tougher with the Astros, who will likely be celebrating their umpteenth AL West victory right in the Mariners faces’—which honestly feels like a dose of justice to have the Mariners’ noses rubbed in what could have been, and what they let slip away.

If you’re interested in keeping up with the playoff chase, Jake does a great job of breaking down all Mariners’ fans rooting interests at the end here.

Lineups:

The Astros will be trying some City Connect magic of their own tonight. It’s the last time they’ll be wearing the Space City uniforms, which will be retired at the end of this season.

News:

Eagle-eyed readers will note the lack of slugger Yordan Alvarez in the Astros lineup. Alvarez was removed from the game on Sunday with a knee contusion, and an X-ray taken afterwards apparently showed some inflammation. He’s getting an MRI today but updates probably won’t be available until postgame.

On the Mariners side, the Mariners activated RHP Gregory Soto from the injured list and sent LHP Jhonathan Díaz to the complex in Peoria, since Tacoma’s season has ended.

Tonight’s game information:

Game time: 5:05 PT

Television: ROOT Sports NW, with Angie Mentink and Aaron Goldsmith

Radio: 710 Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Dave Sims

Today in Mariners history:

• 1995 - Randy Johnson fans 15 A’s and picks up his 16^th win of the year in a 7-0 win vs. Oakland.
• 1997 - The Mariners break the record for most home runs by a Major League team when Jay Buhner goes deep for the club’s 258th round-tripper of the season in the first inning of the 4-3 victory over Anaheim at the Kingdome.
• 1997 - The Seattle Mariners defeat the California Angels 4-3 to clinch their 2nd division title in 3 years. The Mariners score four runs in the first inning and Randy Johnson pitches 8 strong innings and strikeouts 11 for the win.
• 2000 - Edgar Martinez establishes a new record for RBI by a player 37 and older by driving in 2 runs for RBI 138 & 139.
• 2001 - Edgar Martinez doubles at Oakland, his 441^st career double, passing Roberto Clemente on the all-time doubles list.
• 2008 - J.J. Putz records his 100^th career save, becoming only the 2^nd pitcher in club history to record at least 100 career saves.
• 2010 - Ichiro records his 200th hit to mark his 10th consecutive season with 200 hits in a season. Ties Pete Rose for most 200-hit seasons in a career.
• 2015 - Robinson Canó records his 2,000th career hit with a single to left in the eighth inning of the Mariners 4-3 loss in 10 innings at Kansas City.