SEATTLE (AP) — Rookie Julio Rodríguez hit the first of Seattle’s four home runs off Houston ace Justin Verlander, and the Mariners thumped the Astros 6-1 on Friday night.
Rodríguez, Kyle Lewis, Ty France and Taylor Trammell all went deep off Verlander, tying his career-high for homers allowed in a start. Verlander (6-2) entered with seven earned runs allowed in 51 2/3 innings this season and gave up six to the Mariners, all via the long ball.
Rodríguez got the Mariners started with a two-run opposite field homer in the first inning on the first pitch he saw from Verlander. Four batters later, Lewis unloaded with his first of the season, also a two-run homer. Lewis’ long ball was estimated at 441 feet and was his first since May 28 last year before suffering a knee injury that required surgery and forced the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year to miss the rest of the season.
France added a solo homer run in the third, his seventh of the season, and Trammell barely cleared the fence in right-center field in the sixth inning.
Seattle’s 10 hits were the most allowed by Verlander since April 15, 2017, when he still pitched for Detroit. The six earned runs were the most allowed since 2018 when Verlander also gave up six runs to the Mariners.
Verlander started the night with a scoreless streak at 19 innings — one off his career-best — and a major league-leading 1.22 ERA. The scoreless streak ended after three batters, and his ERA ended the night at 2.03.
On the other side, Seattle’s Chris Flexen tossed a gem, rebounding from three consecutive shaky outings. Flexen (2-6) allowed one run and seven hits over seven innings with six strikeouts. Flexen has allowed five earned runs in 18 innings over three starts against Houston this season.
Houston’s lone run came on Jose Siri’s fielder’s choice in the second inning. Houston was held to three runs or less for the seventh time in the past 11 games.
HOMER HAPPENINGS
Verlander allowed four homers in a game twice while pitching for Detroit — both against Cleveland in 2006 and 2016 — and once with the Astros against the Tigers on July 15, 2018.
ROSTER MOVES
Seattle selected the contract of LHP Roenis Elías from Triple-A Tacoma and designated RHP Riley O’Brien for assignment. Seattle had an open roster spot after optioning struggling reliever Drew Steckenrider to Tacoma on Thursday. Steckenrider was one of Seattle’s top relievers a year ago but is 0-2 with a 5.65 ERA.
It’s the second stint this season for Elías with the Mariners.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Mariners: RHP Ken Giles (finger) is expected to soon start a rehab assignment with a mix of Tacoma and Class-A Everett. ... RHP Erik Swanson (elbow) could throw off a mound before the end of the weekend and be sent out on a rehab assignment next week. ... INF Abraham Toro (shoulder) should be ready ot come off the 10-day IL when eligible next week.
UP NEXT
Astros: RHP José Urquidy (4-1, 2.94) is coming off his best start of the season throwing 6 2/3 innings allowing one run and striking out 10 in a victory over Texas.
Mariners: RHP Logan Gilbert (4-2, 2.60) looks to throw at least seven innings for a third straight start. Gilbert allowed three runs on five hits in his last start against Boston and had a no decision.
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