Astros Fall in Series Opener

The way the Astros have been performing as of late, I did have some hope for a ninth inning rally when Matt Dominguez led off the inning with a walk off Mariners closer Danny Farquhar.

Brandon Barnes (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

Instead the next two Astros went quietly, and Seattle opened the four game series with a 3-2 victory Thursday night in Houston. Chris Carter struck out and then Brett Wallace hit a come backer to Farquhar which the closer was able to turn into a game ending double play.

After recording his first career save just a few days ago, Jordan Lyles made the start tonight. Although he did take the loss to fall to 6-7, he actually had a pretty good outing.

Lyles pitched six innings to register a quality start, allowing all three Seattle runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four. He was never really in trouble tonight, but he did have a problem with the long ball as homers accounted for all three Seattle runs.

Nick Franklin continued his display of power in Houston as he got things started with a solo home run in the first inning. In the second inning, two Mariners reached, and the possibility that it could be a long night loomed. Lyles then retired Dustin Ackley on a double play to end the inning.

Old friend Humberto Quintero led off the third inning with a walk, but it got no further than that. Franklin Gutierrez then put Seattle up by three with a fourth inning home run scoring Raul Ibanez who reached on a leadoff single.

The bats really were not working for the Astros tonight as they only managed five hits in the game. Seattle starter Erasmo Ramirez held the Astros hitless through the first three innings until L.J. Hoes led off the fourth inning with a single. Jason Castro kept up his recent success and drove in Hoes with a double one batter later.

Brett Wallace added a home run in the fifth inning, and that just about concluded Houston’s offense for the night. Robbie Grossman singled later in the inning and Jose Altuve added a leadoff double in the sixth inning, and those were the only Astro hits.

Kevin Chapman continued his success as he added another 2.1 scoreless innings tonight as he is yet to give up an earned run this season. Champman struck out three while allowing only one hit and one walk.

In what has been another constant this season, Brandon Barnes made a few outstanding catches tonight including one running up the hill in centerfield.