SEATTLE, WA – July 19, 2025 – The Houston Astros began their critical second-half schedule with a disappointing 6-1 loss to the division-rival Seattle Mariners on Friday night at T-Mobile Park. The loss further tightens the AL West race and marks the Astros’ sixth defeat in their last seven games.
Houston’s offense struggled mightily against Mariners ace Luis Castillo (7-5), who dominated through 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and striking out seven. The Astros had an early opportunity in the third inning when Mauricio Dubón and Brice Matthews led off with hits, putting runners in scoring position, but Jose Altuve struck out to end the threat, setting the tone for a frustrating night at the plate.
Astros left-hander Brandon Walter (1-3) started for Houston and pitched a solid game through three innings. However, he surrendered the first run of the night in the fourth inning on a solo home run by Randy Arozarena, a 445-foot shot to left-center. Mitch Garver extended Seattle’s lead to 2-0 in the seventh with another solo blast off Astros reliever Bennett Sousa.
The Astros finally broke through in the eighth inning. After Matt Brash walked Brice Matthews, Isaac Paredes delivered an RBI double to center field, cutting the Mariners’ lead to 2-1. However, any hope for a comeback was quickly extinguished in the bottom of the eighth.
Seattle exploded for four runs in the eighth off Astros relievers Steven Okert and Hector Neris. RBI singles from J.P. Crawford and Cal Raleigh, a sacrifice fly from Donovan Solano, and a wild pitch pushed the Mariners’ lead to a commanding 6-1, effectively sealing the game.
With the loss, the Astros’ record now stands at 56-41, and their lead in the AL West over the Mariners (now 52-45) has shrunk to just four games. The rough start to the second half, combined with their 1-5 finish before the All-Star break, continues a concerning trend for the reigning division champions.
The Astros will look to bounce back tonight in Game 2 of the series. Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (2-4, 6.48 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for Houston, facing Mariners right-hander Logan Evans (3-3, 3.75).
