Seattle @ Houston preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 23, 2013 ) Seattle 2, Houston 3

Half of the Houston’s victories have come against Seattle. The Astros look to beat the visiting Mariners for the fourth time this season when the teams conclude a three-game series on Wednesday. The Astros are 6-14 after notching a 3-2 victory over the Mariners on Tuesday. The win was just the second in 10 games for Houston. Seattle has lost six of eight games and is vying to win a season series for the first time all season.

The Mariners scored seven runs in Monday’s victory and were back to scuffling for runs one night later in the battle between the two worst teams in the American League. “I do think we have guys heading in the right direction,” Seattle manager Eric Wedge said afterward. “That is obvious by the quality of the at-bats. Having said that, it’s all about winning and losing, and we have to do a better job of finding ways to win ballgames.” Houston shortstop Marwin Gonzalez hit his third homer of the campaign Tuesday and all three have come against the Mariners.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Seattle), Comcast SportsNet Houston

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Joe Saunders (1-2, 4.50 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lucas Harrell (1-2, 4.98)

Saunders was roughed up for seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings in a loss to the Texas Rangers in his last outing. He gave up one run and nine hits in 13 1/3 innings over his previous two starts. Saunders stymied the Astros over 6 1/3 shutout innings while picking up the win in Seattle on April 8. He is 1-0 with a 3.26 ERA in three career starts against Houston.

Harrell beat the Cleveland Indians in his last start when he gave up two runs and five hits over 5 2/3 innings. It was the third time in four starts that he gave up two or fewer runs. Harrell has 15 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings but has also issued 13 walks. He has never previously faced the Mariners.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros OF Justin Maxwell suffered a broken left hand when hit by a pitch to force in a run Tuesday and was placed on the disabled list after the game. OF Robbie Grossman was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

2. Mariners 3B Kyle Seager is 17-for-45 during a career-long 12-game hitting streak.

3. Houston starters have failed to last beyond the fifth inning in seven of its last eight games.

PREDICTION: Mariners 4, Astros 3