Hunter Brown pitched six scoreless innings as the Houston Astros moved into first place in the American League West with a 3-0 victory against the host Seattle Mariners on Friday night. Yainer Diaz hit a two-run single in the third inning for the Astros, who were 10 games back in the division race on June 18. They've gone 18-6 since, the best record in the major leagues in that span, while the Mariners are 8-16, to move percentage points ahead of Seattle. The Mariners dropped their fourth game in a row and lost for the first time at home on a Friday night this season when wearing their City Connect uniforms (8-1). Brown (8-6) continued a remarkable run in which he has pitched at least six scoreless innings in five of his past eight starts. The right-hander allowed four hits, walked three and struck out five. Bryan Abreu, Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader each pitched a perfect inning of relief for Houston, with Hader working the ninth for his 19th save in 20 opportunities this season. The Astros scored all of their runs in the top of the third off Luis Castillo (8-10). No. 9 hitter Trey Cabbage led off with a double to right-center field. Jose Altuve dropped a bunt single down the third-base line, with Cabbage scoring as Josh Rojas' low throw went off the end of first baseman Ty France's mitt. Alex Bregman was grazed by a pitch and Yordan Alvarez walked to load the bases. Diaz then lined a single to right to make it 3-0. The Mariners threatened in the bottom of the inning, loading the bases with two outs on singles by Victor Robles and Josh Rojas and a walk to Julio Rodriguez. Brown got Cal Raleigh to line out to second baseman Altuve to end the threat. Castillo went seven innings and gave up three runs on six hits. The righty walked one and fanned three. --Field Level Media
Jul 19, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports