After fighting his way back from multiple injuries and derailments, Bryan Woo led Seattle to a 6-4 victory over Houston today, completing a stunning month of play in which Seattle stalked and finally caught the Astros in the standings. Just six weeks ago, the Mariners sat ten games behind the Astros, but after a 26-17 tear coincided with the Astros’ 14-25 collapse, the rivals are now tied atop the AL West.
Despite being the Astros’ best pitcher during their tumble, Ronel Blanco was beat up by the Mariners today. Seattle’s bats, continuing the recent signs of life, routinely made good contact off what has counted as Houston’s ace, with nine hard-hit balls and just five strikeouts.