Mariners 3, Astros 2
Franklin Gutierrez smacked a two-run homer and Nick Franklin hit a solo shot as visiting Seattle snapped its six-game losing streak.
Erasmo Ramirez (5-1) allowed two runs and seven hits while striking out seven in 5 2/3 innings. The victory was the first for the Mariners in seven games since manager Eric Wedge (stroke) returned to the dugout.
Seattle’s bullpen combined for 3 1/3 hitless innings. Charlie Furbush tossed a perfect frame, Yoervis Medina retired four batters – three via strikeout – and Danny Farquhar worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth, inducing Brett Wallace to ground into a game-ending double play for his 10th save in 12 opportunities.
Franklin hit an opposite-field homer to left in the opening inning off Jordan Lyles (6-7) and Gutierrez belted a one-out blast in the fourth to make it 3-0. Houston got on the board in the bottom of the frame on Jason Castro’s RBI double and Wallace drilled a leadoff homer in the fifth to make it a one-run game.
Lyles allowed three runs and four hits in six innings.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Mariners OF Michael Morse didn’t play after being claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles earlier Thursday. Seattle has 48 hours to work out a deal with Baltimore or pull back Morse. … Wallace has hit six of his 12 home runs in August. … Franklin was in an 0-for-16 rut before clubbing his 12th homer of the campaign.