Mariners sweep Astros as Raleigh stalks Judge
Seattle surges to a three-game lead as Cal Raleigh makes history and closes in on Aaron Judge’s home run record.
The race for the American League West has a clear favorite. Seattle Mariners (87-69) swept the Houston Astros (84-72) with a 7-3 win in the third game of the series, seizing a three-game lead in the American League West title chase.
Seattle loaded the bases with singles in the second inning and struck first when Víctor Robles drew a walk to bring in a run. Moments later, J.P. Crawford smashed a grand slam, driving in four.
Raleigh closes in on Judge’s record
Cal Raleigh is putting together the best season ever by a switch hitter in Major League history and is now within striking distance of Aaron Judge’s home run record. The Mariners catcher launched his 58th homer of the year right after Crawford’s slam, pulling within four of Judge’s mark with the Yankees.
He turned on a changeup from Joe Alexander and drove in Randy Arozarena to make it 7-0.
Last night he became Seattle’s all-time home run leader, surpassing Ken Griffey Jr. Now he needs four more to top Judge – a tall task with just two series left. The Mariners close at home against the Colorado Rockies before finishing the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers at T-Mobile Park.
Astros add some late shine
Houston broke through in the third when Zach Cole tagged Logan Gilbert with a solo homer to right, leaving the bat at 109 mph.
The Astros chipped away again in the seventh. With runners on second and third, José Altuve lined one to right to bring Cole home and make it 7-2.
In the eighth, Isaac Paredes gave the home fans another flash with a solo shot to left off a high sinker at Daikin Park.
The Astros’ hopes of a ninth-inning rally fizzled quickly. Cole grounded out to short, Victor Caratini – pinch hitting – flied out to center, and Matt Brash slammed the door by striking out Altuve for the final out.
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