Houston @ Seattle preview

Houston at Seattle

Last Meeting ( Sep 1, 2013 ) Seattle 0, Houston 2

The Seattle Mariners certainly have struggled this season, but they've acquitted themselves well against their American League West rivals. The Mariners look to continue their fine showing against another division representative on Monday, when they open a three-game series versus the visiting Houston Astros. Seattle has won 10 of the 16 meetings between the teams while posting a respectable 34-33 mark against the AL West.

The Mariners were unable to complete a three-game sweep of Tampa Bay, falling 4-1 in the series finale on Sunday. Lowly Houston won't shed a tear for Seattle's troubles as it dropped a 7-2 decision at Oakland on Sunday for its 10th loss in 13 contests. Jose Altuve is having a September to remember, however, going 15-for-35 with six runs scored and four RBIs.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Jarred Cosart (1-1, 2.13 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Taijuan Walker (1-0, 3.60)

Cosart yielded four runs - including a pair of homers - in four innings but escaped with a no-decision on Tuesday against Minnesota. The 23-year-old, who posted his lone win on July 12, permitted more than three runs for the first time in nine starts. Cosart has struggled with his control, issuing 17 walks in his last five outings.

One of the top pitching prospects in baseball, Walker made his major-league debut a memorable one. With his mother in attendance, the 21-year-old yielded just one run on two hits in five innings en route to a 7-1 triumph over Houston on Aug. 30. Walker struggled in his next outing, allowing four runs on as many hits over five frames in a no-decision versus Kansas City on Wednesday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Walker's third start is expected to be his last of 2013 as the team is closely monitoring his innings.

2. Seattle 2B Dustin Ackley, who has hit in four consecutive games, is batting .362 (17-for-47) against Houston in his career.

3. Astros OF L.J. Hoes collected four hits and three runs scored in his last four starts.

PREDICTION: Mariners 3, Astros 1