Mariners at Astros
Justin Verlander looks to become the first 11-game winner in the major leagues when the Houston Astros host the Seattle Mariners on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Verlander ranks third in the American League in ERA (2.67) and strikeouts (142) while appearing to be a lock for his eighth All-Star appearance.
Houston is a dominating 7-1 against the Mariners this season and continued the success in the series opener as Yuli Gurriel hit a walk-off homer with one out in the 10th inning for a 2-1 victory. Josh Reddick also belted a solo shot for the Astros, who were outscored 24-2 by Pittsburgh while losing their previous two games. Seattle has scored just three runs while dropping consecutive contests after winning six of its previous seven. Austin Nola homered for the Mariners' lone run in the opener while J.P. Crawford recorded two hits and is 12-for-23 with a homer, two triples, two doubles, four runs and nine RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Yusei Kikuchi (4-5, 5.11 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (10-3, 2.67)
Kikuchi dropped four straight decisions before defeating Baltimore in his last turn as he gave up three runs and five hits over six innings. The 28-year-old native of Japan has served up 10 home runs in his last 25 frames, posting a 9.36 ERA during that span. Kikuchi is 2-2 with a 4.95 ERA in nine road starts.
Verlander defeated the New York Yankees in his last turn as he permitted three runs and four hits over seven innings. The 36-year-old has served up seven homers in his last three outings and 21 for the season, which is seven fewer than he allowed all of last season. Verlander is 1-0 with a 2.92 ERA in two starts against Seattle this season, registering 18 strikeouts without issuing a walk, and 13-9 with a 3.27 ERA in 27 career starts versus the club.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners 3B Kyle Seager (wrist) was scratched from the series opener and could miss his fourth straight game on Saturday.
2. Houston placed RHP Brad Peacock (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list and recalled LHP Reymin Guduan from Triple-A Round Rock.
3. Seattle RF Mitch Haniger (testicle) is making progress but said on Friday that "there is zero percent chance I'm comfortable diving," as it appears returning before the All-Star break is unlikely.