Mariners Pounded Again By Astros – Saunders Injured

SEATTLE (AP) — Rick Ankiel and Chris Carter each hit a two-run homer to help the Houston Astros beat the Seattle Mariners 8-3 on Wednesday night. Carlos Pena had three hits and scored twice for the Astros, who also got two RBIs from J.D. Martinez and a late home run by Marwin Gonzalez. Brad Peacock earned first major league win since 2011. After losing 3-0 on Monday, the Astros scored 24 runs on 37 hits in winning the final two games of the series. Carter, who hit two home runs in a 16-9 rout Tuesday, added three hits in this one. He finished the series 8 for 15 with three homers and five RBIs. Peacock allowed three runs and four hits in five-plus innings for his first big league victory since Sept. 22, 2011, with Washington at Philadelphia.

Meanwhile right fielder Michael Saunders sprained his right shoulder crashing into the outfield wall to make a catch. He will be re-examined Thursday and the team says Saunders is expected to miss "some time." Saunders left Wednesday night's game against Houston in the first inning after running down a deep drive hit by leadoff batter Jose Altuve. Saunders chased the ball in a full sprint across the warning track and caught it just as he collided with the padded wall. He fell to the ground holding his right shoulder. He stayed down for several minutes while the Seattle medical staff treated him. Saunders then walked to the dugout holding his right arm close to his ribs. Jason Bay took over in right field. Saunders was batting .286 with a seven-game hitting streak.

Associated Press