Mariners-Astros, a relentless war in the AL West

A relentless battle is raging in the American League West. The Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros head into their final series of the season, which could determine the division’s pennant winner. Seattle’s victory on Thursday evened the score, following the Astros’ sweep of the struggling Texas Rangers.

This Friday, a pivotal clash for the division lead begins. Seattle travels to Minute Maid Park, Houston’s home, to face the Astros. The winner of this series will take the lead, with both teams currently tied 5-5 in head-to-head matchups.

Fireworks are expected across all three games, as both teams know everything is at stake. Bryan Woo (14-7) and Hunter Brown (12-7) are set to start Game 1 on Friday.

Woo has struggled against the Astros in his first two starts this season, holding an 0-2 record while allowing 16 hits and seven runs. Brown, meanwhile, has received no-decisions in his two starts against Seattle, giving up eight hits and three runs.

Saturday will feature George Kirby and Framber Valdez on the mound. Kirby lost his only game against the Astros earlier this season, allowing six hits and five runs. Valdez, on the other hand, earned a no-decision in his first start against the Mariners and celebrated a win in his second.

Sunday’s series finale will see Logan Gilbert face Jason Alexander. Alexander will pitch against Seattle for the first time this season, while Gilbert recorded a no-decision in his previous start.

The Mariners come into the series on a hot streak, winning nine of their last ten games. The Astros, however, have regained confidence after sweeping the Rangers and have overcome significant injuries to players including Yordan Álvarez, Isaac Paredes, Josh Hader, and Ronel Blanco.

“That was a big series for us, not only in terms of the standings but also for our team’s confidence,” Jeremy Peña said, according to Matt Kawahara of The Houston Chronicle (subscription required). “The team feels good, there’s good energy, and we’re going to keep building on this.” Peña made the comments Wednesday after Houston’s sweep of Texas.

After facing the Mariners, the Astros will visit the Athletics and Angels, while Seattle will host the Rockies and the Dodgers, who could already be playoff-bound.

Players to watch:

• Cal Raleigh (SEA): Leads the league with 56 home runs and 118 RBIs. He is undoubtedly Seattle’s most dangerous hitter.
• José Altuve (HOU): The Astros’ leader, known for delivering in clutch moments. He hit a key home run during the Rangers series.
• Eugenio Suárez (SEA): The Venezuelan slugger is having a dream season. With 46 home runs, he ranks fifth all-time in home runs for a single season, just two behind Aaron Judge, and remains a major offensive threat.
• Hunter Brown (HOU): While the Mariners’ offense looks stronger, Brown’s impressive numbers make him a serious Cy Young candidate.
• Julio Rodríguez (SEA): Rodríguez hasn’t had his best season, but he’s still producing, with 19 home runs in his last 58 games.
• Zach Cole (HOU): The Astros’ X-factor. Cole has been clutch, driving in more runs last week than any other Houston player, totaling five RBIs.

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