Mariners at Astros
The Houston Astros continue their bid for best record in the majors when they host the Seattle Mariners on Friday in the second contest of a four-game set. Michael Brantley belted the decisive two-run homer in the bottom of the 13th inning as Houston overcame a seven-run deficit to post a 11-9 win and improve to 13-1 against Seattle this season.
Brantley's homer was his 20th of the season - matching his career best with Cleveland in 2014 - as the Astros (91-50) continue to chase the New York Yankees (92-49) and Los Angeles Dodgers (92-50) for homefield advantage throughout the postseason. Josh Reddick went 3-for-3 with his first homer since June 28 while top prospect Kyle Tucker ripped his first career homer among his first two hits while playing in his third big league contest. Kyle Seager had two homers and three RBIs to raise his season total to 21 to become the first Seattle player to hit 20 or more blasts in eight consecutive seasons. Austin Nola also went deep twice while knocking in a career-high five RBIs but his exploits couldn't prevent the Mariners from matching the second-worst blown lead in franchise history, topped only by losing a 12-run lead in a 15-14, 11-inning loss to the Cleveland Indians in 2001.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports Northwest (Seattle), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Tommy Milone (3-8 4.90 ERA) vs. Astros LH Framber Valdez (4-7, 5.55)
Seattle may decide to bypass the use of an "opener" after using eight relievers Thursday but either way Milone will be the primary pitcher. The 32-year-old wasn't involved in the decision in his last outing when he allowed one run and three hits over five innings against the Texas Rangers. Milone is 0-1 with a 1.76 ERA in 15 1/3 innings (three appearances) against Houston this season and is 1-3 with a 4.76 ERA in 12 career games (seven starts) versus the Astros.
Valdez lost to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday when he was racked for six runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old excelled in his previous turn when he gave up one run and two hits and struck out eight in six innings while beating the Los Angeles Angels. Valdez gave up two hits in four scoreless innings of relief while beating the Mariners on June 3 and is 2-0 without allowing an earned run in 13 1/3 innings in three career appearances (one start) versus Seattle.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros RHP Aaron Sanchez (shoulder) will undergo season-ending surgery next week.
2. Seattle SS J.P. Crawford (hamstring) missed his fifth straight game but the club remains hopeful he will play again this season.
3. Houston OF George Springer (concussion) is expected to return by early next week if not sooner.