If you hoped for a second-half turnaround from the Mariners offense after they showed signs of life against the Padres heading into the All-Star Break, tonight was a cold sheet of water on the tender embers of those hopes. The Mariners looked hapless against the Astros, getting held scoreless by Hunter Brown for six innings, then dominated by Houston’s bullpen. Luis Castillo had one bad inning, but as we’ve seen over and over again, Mariners starters have to be perfect—and that still isn’t usually enough to earn them a win. Tonight the Mariners surrendered the AL West lead to the Astros, and that’s what it felt like: surrendering, as they played uncharacteristically sloppy defense, put up noncompetitive at-bats, and once again squandered a strong performance from their starter.
Offense punchless again as Mariners lose game, AL West lead
