The Seattle Mariners are set to continue their six-game homestand with a crucial matchup against the Houston Astros on April 8, 2025, at T-Mobile Park. Following a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Astros in the series opener, the Mariners look to build momentum against their division rivals.
Last night, the Mariners showcased their resilience, coming back from a 3-2 deficit in the eighth inning, thanks to Jorge Polanco's clutch two-run single that propelled them to a 4-3 lead, which they held onto for the win. This victory marked Seattle's fourth win of the season, with three of those coming from behind, showcasing their fighting spirit early in the season.
As the Mariners prepare for tonight's game, they are excited to have their ace, Luis Castillo, on the mound. Castillo has been a reliable force, going five or more innings in 73 of his 76 starts with the Mariners. He has also gone six or more innings in 50 of those games and seven or more innings in 17. His ability to eat innings will be crucial as the Mariners aim to secure a series win against the Astros.
The Mariners made a roster move ahead of tonight's game, trading right-handed pitcher Cody Bolton to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for cash considerations. Bolton appeared in 17 games for Seattle in 2024, posting a 4.34 ERA.
On the other side, the Astros are looking to bounce back after last night’s loss. They come into this game with a record of 4-6, currently sitting third in the AL West. Houston's lineup features stars like José Altuve, who leads the team in both home runs and batting average, and Yordan Álvarez, who is the team’s top run producer with seven RBIs.
However, the Astros are grappling with injury concerns. Notably, they placed starter Spencer Arrighetti on the 15-day injured list after he suffered a broken right thumb during batting practice. This injury has left Houston's rotation in a bit of flux, and they will need to adapt quickly as they face a tough Mariners lineup.
Meanwhile, the Mariners are also dealing with their own injury issues. Outfielder Victor Robles has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left shoulder dislocation, which is a significant loss given his strong performance early in the season. Robles was batting .273 with three runs and three doubles in 10 games before his injury.
Despite these setbacks, the Mariners have been impressive in their offensive approach. They currently lead the American League with 15 stolen bases, tied with the Boston Red Sox. In last night’s game, they went a perfect 3-for-3 in stolen base attempts, with contributions from Randy Arozarena, Dylan Moore, and Polanco. This aggressive base running has added a dynamic element to their game.
Jorge Polanco has been a standout performer for the Mariners this season, boasting a .417 batting average with 10 RBIs, which ranks him among the league leaders. His ability to drive in runs has been instrumental for Seattle, as he delivered the game-winning hit in last night’s contest.
As the Mariners continue their homestand, they are also celebrating the birthday of Mariners Hall of Famer Félix Hernández, who turns 39 today. Hernández, known as "King Félix," pitched his entire 15-year MLB career with Seattle and made history by throwing the only perfect game in franchise history on August 15, 2012. His legacy continues to inspire current players as they strive for excellence on the field.
Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on ROOT SPORTS, with Aaron Goldsmith and Dave Valle providing the call, while Jen Mueller serves as the dugout reporter. Fans can also tune in on Seattle Sports (710 AM) and Mariners.com, with Rick Rizzs and Ryan Rowland-Smith on the mic.
The Mariners are looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage as they face the Astros in what promises to be an exciting matchup. With both teams eager to improve their standings in the competitive AL West, every game counts. The Mariners are currently favored to win, with odds reflecting their recent form and home advantage.
As the action unfolds at T-Mobile Park, fans can expect a thrilling night of baseball as the Mariners aim to extend their winning streak and continue their pursuit of a strong season. With Castillo on the mound and Polanco leading the charge at the plate, Seattle is poised for another memorable night against their rivals.
