HOUSTON — Evan Gattis homered twice and the Houston Astros won their 10th straight game, boosting the best record in the American League by beating the Seattle Mariners 7-6 Sunday.
The Astros extended their top run since a 12-game winning streak in 2004.
At 18-7, Houston set a team record for its best record through 25 games. The Astros are coming off a 70-92 season, which followed three straight years of at least 106 losses.
Gattis, one of several newcomers on the Astros, hit a go-ahead solo shot in the eighth inning off Carson Smith (0-1). It was his fifth homer in six games.
Smith made his big league debut last year and this was his 21st appearance in the majors — he had not allowed a run in 19 1/3 innings until Gattis homered.
Gattis hit a three-run shot in the first, the third straight game he homered.
Pat Neshek (2-0) pitched a scoreless eighth and Luke Gregerson earned his sixth save. Like Gattis, both relievers joined the Astros in the offseason.
Chris Carter also homered for Houston. The Astros hit five home runs Saturday night in roughing up the Mariners 11-4.
Houston has won 14 of 15 and will try to add to its winning streak when its hosts Texas in a three-game series starting Monday night.
Gattis sent a changeup from J.A. Happ into the Crawford Boxes in left field for an early lead. Carter hit another changeup for a two-run homer just below the train tracks in left field for a 5-1 lead in the third.
Brad Miller hit an RBI triple in the third for Seattle’s first run. He later tried to score on a fly by Seth Smith to right fielder George Springer, and was originally ruled safe. The Astros challenged, and the replay showed he was tagged out before touching the plate.
Ahead 6-1, Astros starter Roberto Hernandez gave up three hits in six pitches in the seventh.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Mariners: RHP Tom Wilhelmsen threw a bullpen session Sunday morning and is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Wednesday. He was placed on the disabled list on April 13 with a hyperextended elbow. … Leadoff hitter Austin Jackson sprained his right ankle in the third when he caught the corner of first base running out a grounder. He left the game and will be re-evaluated on Monday.
UP NEXT
Mariners: RHP Felix Hernandez (4-0, 1.82 ERA) goes for his sixth straight win against the Angels in Anaheim, where he has pitched below his high standards. He is 3-5 with a 3.11 ERA in Anaheim and has just one decision in his last seven starts at Angel Stadium.
