The Mariners baffling insistence on acting like Minute Maid Park is some sort of horrifying, ancient temple before which they must cower and tremble is nothing short of rage-inducing. This game, despite instant offensive success against starter José Urquidy, most notably from Astro-turned-Astro-killer Abraham Toro, had all the makings of yet another sloppy loss in MMP.
From Tyler Anderson’s first sub-5 IP start in 27 games to Haniger’s disastrous fumble near the foul pole, there was ample reason by the 6th to assume the sweep would be completed in unceremonious fashion. The resounding return of Seattle’s once and future tormentor Marwin Gonzalez gave Houston a one-run lead in the 2nd that, given the locale, felt insurmountable.