SEATTLE — Josh Reddick homered to give Houston the lead and the Astros held on to beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 Tuesday night.
Reddick’s tiebreaking homer in the fourth inning put the Astros ahead 2-1, and Yuli Gurriel added an RBI single in the sixth for a two-run lead.
Seattle pulled to 3-2 in the eighth inning on Ben Gamel’s RBI single to right field, but stranded the tying run at third base after pinch hitter Nelson Cruz and Dee Gordon struck out against Roberto Osuna to end the inning.
Hector Rondon earned his 14th save with a spotless ninth inning as Houston snapped a five-game skid against Seattle and remained tied with Oakland atop the AL West Division standings.
Rookie left-hander Framber Valdez (1-0), who came up from Triple-A Fresno earlier in the day, won in his big-league debut, tossing four-plus innings of one-run ball in relief of Brad Peacock.
Both teams used Tuesday as a “bullpen” day, although the Mariners were originally scheduled to start Mike Leake, who was scratched two hours before the game with an illness.
Reliever Nick Vincent made his first career start, tossing two scoreless innings.
Houston took a 1-0 lead on Carlos Correa’s sacrifice fly off Ross Detwiler (0-1) in the third inning. Detwiler was called up from Triple-A Tacoma before the game.
The Mariners tied it when Mitch Haniger scored on Mat Stassi’s passed ball after Kyle Seager struck out in the third.
Reddick lifted Detwiler’s 86 mph changeup deep into the right-field bleachers in the fouth to put the Astros ahead.
Seattle turned a franchise-record six double plays in the game.
ROSTER RESHUFFLING
Astros: To make room for Valdez, LHP Cionel Perez was sent to Fresno. … As expected, 2B and reigning AL most valuable player Jose Altuve (right knee soreness) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Tuesday. To make room, OF Kyle Tucker was sent to Fresno. … The Astros have not announced a starting pitcher for Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, but it won’t be Gerrit Cole. He will kick off the series Monday against Oakland.
Mariners: With Detwiler coming up, reliever Chasen Bradford was sent to Triple-A Tacoma. … In order to add Detwiler to the 40-man roster, INF Zach Vincej was designated for assignment. … C Chris Herrmann’s bruised knee felt better Monday, allowing him to start in place of heavily-utilized Mike Zunino on Tuesday. … Seattle has yet to set its rotation for the upcoming three-game series starting Friday in Arizona.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Astros: For a second consecutive night, CF George Springer (sore left quadriceps) did not start. Tony Kemp shifted over to play in center, and 3B Alex Bregman again hit in Springer’s leadoff spot.
Mariners: Before the game, RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (shoulder) threw 20 pitches at “70-80 percent” velocity to Japanese countryman Ichiro Suzuki, who hit a few sharp line drives into the gap. “It gives me a great idea of where I am right now,” Iwakuma said through a team interpreter. … DH Nelson Cruz (back) came up with spasms late in the game Monday, and was given the day off. … Ace LHP James Paxton (forearm) could throw a light bullpen session during the day off Thursday. . Vincent took Stassi’s line drive off his lower left leg in the second inning, and limped to the dugout.
UP NEXT
Astros: RHP Charlie Morton (12-3, 2.85 ERA) has lost his past two games — starting with a 3-2 loss to the Mariners on Aug. 11 (6.0 innings, three earned runs). However, he has won both of his starts at Safeco Field this season — 9-2 on April 19 (seven scoreless innings, eight strikeouts) and 5-2 on July 31 (6.0 IP, two ER).
Mariners: After a couple extra days of rest, LHP Marco Gonzales (12-8, 3.91) finishes off the homestand for Seattle. He is one of 13 American League pitchers with 12 victories, and is making his second start of the season against the Astros (lost 9-2 on April 19, going 4.2 innings and giving up three earned runs).
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