‘Stros Strafe Seattle, 5-2, to Take Series

SEATTLE (AP) -- Jose Altuve had two hits and an RBI and the Houston Astros damaged the Seattle Mariners post-season hopes with a 5-2 victory Wednesday.

Altuve had a RBI double in the fifth and a single in the seventh for his league-leading 200th hit. He is the second Astros player to accomplish the feat, joining Craig Biggio -- who set the franchise record of 210 in 1998. Altuve leads the American League in hitting at .337, hits and steals with 52.

The Mariners, who lost two of three in the series, remained a half-game behind Detroit for the American League's second wild-card spot.

Nick Tropeano (1-0), making his major league debut, held the Mariners in check for his five innings. He allowed two runs and four hits, striking out five and walking none, and left with a 4-2 lead.

Tony Sipp finished the ninth for his fourth save in five opportunities.