Mariners fall to Astros for 2nd consecutive day, lose ground in wild-card race

Houston, TX - Jake Marisnick hit a three-run homer, while Alex Presley finished 3-for-5 with two RBI, as Houston topped Seattle, 8-3, in the rubber match of a three-game set.

Jose Altuve added two hits, scored twice and drove in a run for the Astros, who put a four-game skid in the rear view by winning the final two games in the series.

Collin McHugh (11-9) allowed three runs on four hits and struck out six over his successful six-inning outing.

Michael Saunders hit a two-run shot and scored twice for the Mariners, who are locked in a struggle for the AL wild card along with Oakland and Kansas City.

Hisashi Iwakuma (14-9) was tagged in defeat for six hits and four runs with three walks despite fanning eight over 4 1/3 frames.