Astros at Mariners
The Houston Astros figured their winning streak wouldn't last through the weekend as they got set to kick off their eight-game road trip with three contests against the surprising - and equally hot - Seattle Mariners. The streak still is alive as the Astros try to complete a series sweep when they visit the Mariners on Sunday.
Houston entered the set having won six straight contests and has kept it going, posting a 10-6 victory in Friday's opener before taking a 3-1 decision in the middle game. Robinson Chirinos and Jose Altuve homered in Saturday's win, with the latter going deep for the sixth time during his five-game power surge. Seattle also was swinging a hot bat as it carried a six-game winning streak into the series. The Mariners still are flexing their muscles despite the back-to-back losses as they have homered in 17 consecutive games to start the season - a major league record that was kept alive with Mitch Haniger's blast Saturday.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (0-2, 3.32 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (4-0, 3.16)
After losing his first two starts of the season despite allowing four earned runs over 12 innings, Cole was forced to settle for a no-decision last time out. The 28-year-old Californian worked seven frames against the New York Yankees, giving up three runs on four hits and three walks. Cole is 2-2 with one complete game and a 2.31 ERA in five career starts versus Seattle.
Gonzales became the second pitcher in franchise history to win each of his first four starts in a season after working six innings at Kansas City on Tuesday. The 27-year-old native of Colorado allowed three runs - two earned - and six hits while registering a season-high five strikeouts in the triumph. Gonzales has not fared well versus Houston in his career, going 0-2 with an 11.42 ERA in two starts and one relief appearances.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Mariners have scored five or more runs in 15 games this season.
2. Altuve has registered four consecutive two-hit performances and seven in his last nine contests.
3. Seattle LHP Wade LeBlanc exited Friday's game in the fifth inning (oblique), and is expected to be placed on the injured list in the next few days.