Seattle will play the second game of its four-game series at Houston on Friday night. The Mariners came into the series with some momentum after sweeping a three-game set against Texas. Houston was swept by Oakland in a shocking three-game series earlier this week—this story was published prior to Thursday’s series opener between the Mariners and Astros.
Seattle is trying to break a historic drought this season, as it has not been the playoffs in several decades. The Mariners are positioned to make a run down the stretch this year, as they entered the All-Star break nine games above .500 after a hot stretch. They got off to a slow start to the second half, getting swept in a three-game series against Houston last weekend. Seattle bounced back with a much-needed sweep of its own against Texas, although its combined winning margin in the three victories was just four runs. The Mariners are in second place in the American League West, but they are still 10 games back of Houston heading into Thursday’s slate.
Meeting 'Chillin' Charlie': Mariners' Carson Vitale, wife Lucy and a 91-day NICU stay.
(As a father of 27.5 week twins, this one hit close to home).https://t.co/4wXKu0b6UR— C orey Brock (@CoreyBrockMLB) July 28, 2022
They are currently holding onto the second AL Wild Card spot, though, so they control their own destiny as far as a potential postseason berth is concerned. Seattle has improved some at the plate, but it still ranks No. 23 in team batting average (.236). First baseman Ty France leads the team with 103 hits, including 13 home runs. Standout rookie Julio Rodriguez has added 18 homers and has driven in a team-best 56 runs. They are facing a Houston pitching staff that ranks second in the majors with a 3.06 ERA. Left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray is expected to start for Seattle on Friday. He is coming off a brutal start against Houston, allowing six runs on 10 hits in just three innings on Sunday. Ray had seven consecutive quality starts prior to that outing, so he still brings a solid 3.90 ERA and 1.15 WHIP into this outing.