SEATTLE (AP) _ James Paxton shut down Houston for the second time in a week,
pitching seven innings of four-hit ball and leading the Seattle Mariners to a
6-0 win over the Astros in their home opener Monday.
The Mariners rebounded nicely from Sunday’s ugly ninth-inning meltdown against
the Angels when they gave up seven runs and lost 10-9. Paxton (1-0) was a big
reason why, keeping Houston’s offense silent long enough for Seattle’s bats to
wake up and finally convert with runners in scoring position. Paxton struck out
eight and walked two while pitching in Seattle’s home opener for the second time
in his career.
Nelson Cruz finally broke through with a two-run single in the fifth inning to
give Seattle the lead and Mitch Haniger followed an inning later with a two-out
RBI single. Seattle was 8 for 57 through the first seven games and 1 of 8 on
Monday with runners in scoring position before Cruz lined Charlie Morton’s pitch
into center field.