Surging Astros, scuffling Mariners battle for AL West lead

A month ago, on June 18, the Houston Astros lost 2-0 to the lowly Chicago White to drop a season-worst 10 games back in the American League West.

When they open a three-game series Friday at Seattle, the streaking Astros will have a chance to move into a tie for the division lead.

The Astros have gone 17-6 since June 18, while the Mariners are 8-15 in that time.

"Roller coaster is a good analogy for it," Astros manager Joe Espada said. "A lot of ups and downs, but I feel like the way we bounced back, we have put ourselves in a really good position here to make a strong push in the second half. There was no doubt we were going to do it, but I was really proud of the guys the way we've done it here in the last couple of weeks. It's been really, really impressive."

The Astros, who have won six of the past seven division titles, should soon get reinforcements with right-hander Justin Verlander (neck discomfort) and outfielder Kyle Tucker (right shin contusion) expected to return from the injured list by the end of the month.

"I'm trying to take it day by day and get back as fast as possible," Tucker said. "I hate missing games and not playing. We're doing pretty well the last month and a half or so. It's been fun watching these guys play. They've had a lot of success recently, but at the same time I want to be out there playing as well. I don't like hanging around and sitting here and watching."

The Mariners entered the All-Star break with three straight one-run losses to the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif.

"We've got to wash it away as we get to the break," Mariners manager Scott Servais said. "Catch our breath. Recharge. We've got to come back strong after that."

Friday's series opener is scheduled to feature a pair of right-handers in Houston's Hunter Brown (7-6, 4.39 ERA) and Seattle's Luis Castillo (8-9, 3.53).

Brown has won six of his past seven starts, with a 2.09 ERA in that span. Seven of the 10 runs he has given up in those starts came July 6 in a 9-3 loss at Minnesota.

Brown, who is 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in four career starts against the Mariners, has faced them twice this season without a decision. On May 5 in Houston, he pitched 4 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits in a game the Mariners won 5-4 with a run in the ninth. On May 28 at Seattle, he gave up one run on four hits over six innings, with a season-high nine strikeouts as the Astros lost 4-2.

Castillo, who is 2-1 with a 3.66 ERA in five career starts against the Astros, pitched against Brown in that May 28 game, but didn't get a decision as the Mariners scored three times in the eighth to pull ahead. He gave up two runs on five hits that day, with six strikeouts.

--Field Level Media