The rookie right-hander, who was making his third career big league start for the Astros, struck out Brad Miller with the bases loaded to end the first and keep the Mariners from taking what could have been a substantial lead. He only lasted 3 1/3 innings, throwing 93 pitches.
"I could have gone later on in the game, but walks kills you," Velasquez said. "I did get out of it and a lot of damage could have been done more, and I prevented it."
Velasquez, who has yet to pitch into the sixth inning in any of his three starts, talked about having a lack of focus to start the game and being amped up.