HOUSTON -- The Astros’ chances of winning their fifth consecutive American League West title took a hit Friday night when the Mariners clubbed four solo home runs en route to a 4-0 win in the series opener between the division leaders at Daikin Park.

The Mariners, winners of 12 of their past 13 games, lead the Astros by one game and could secure the season series between the clubs with a win Saturday or Sunday. Houston needs to win both of those games to get the tiebreaker, which would determine the division title if the teams finish with identical records after 162 games.

Astros ace Hunter Brown gave up two runs in six innings, both of which came off solo homers. Julio Rodríguez rocketed his 31st homer with two outs in the first inning, and Eugenio Suárez clubbed his 47th with one out

See Full Page