SEATTLE -- James Paxton picked up his first win of the year on Monday as the Mariners edged the Astros, 2-1, at Safeco Field, sending the defending World Series champs to their fifth loss in six games.
The Mariners continued their strong start, improving to 9-4 with their fifth win in their last six games. The Astros have lost three straight, falling to 10-7 and dropping into third in the early American League West race behind the Angels (13-3) and Mariners.
Paxton surrendered a homer to George Springer leading off the game, then buckled down and held the Astros scoreless for the rest of his six-inning outing.