Marmolejos, Mariners score 4 in 9th, avoid sweep by Astros

HOUSTON (AP) — José Marmolejos hit a tiebreaking, two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning and J.P. Crawford padded the lead with two-run homer as the Seattle Mariners avoided a sweep with an 8-5 win over the Houston Astros on Wednesday.

Houston won the series opener Monday 11-2 and rallied Tuesday night for a 5-4 victory in 10 innings.

With the score 4-all, Luis Torrens singled with one out in the Seattle ninth and was replaced by pinch-runner Dylan Moore. Jarred Kelenic walked and both runners advanced on a wild pitch by closer Ryan Pressly (5-2).

Marmolejos grounded a single to center to put the Mariners ahead. Blake Taylor relieved and Crawford connected for a drive to right field.

The Mariners trailed most of the game before tying it at 4 on a two-run double by Kelenic with two outs in the seventh.

Diego Castillo (3-5) struck out the side in the eighth for the win. Paul Sewald gave up a solo homer to Alex Bregman in the ninth before retiring the next three batters to end it.

Recently signed Marwin Gonzalez hit a two-run homer and Jose Altuve had a solo shot for the AL West-leading Astros.

Houston starter José Urquidy permitted four hits and two runs in three innings in his second start since coming off the injured list.

Seattle’s Tyler Anderson allowed seven hits and four runs in 4 2/3 innings.

Mitch Haniger, Kyle Seager and Ty France hit consecutive singles to load the bases with one out in the first. Abraham Toro followed with a double to right field to score two runs.

Yordan Alvarez opened the Houston second with a single and the Astros cut it to 2-1 when he slid in just before the tag to score on a double by Kyle Tucker with one out. There were two outs when Gonzalez homered into the seats in left field for a 3-2 lead.

Seager walked to open the fifth...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Marmolejos-Mariners-score-4-in-9th-avoid-sweep-16444422.php