The Astros are returning from a rough West Coast trip where they lost two of three in Seattle and then lost two of three in San Diego.
Today the Stros face the Mariners again, who find themselves in the unexpected spot of being in second place in the AL West, 5.5 games behind the Astros and one-half game ahead of the A’s.
Needless to say, if the Mariners could fulfill their dream of a sweep here in Houston, they would be in throwing distance of first place. On the other hand, an Astro sweep would all but eliminate the Mariners from contention.