Mariners Pound McCullars, Astros 8-1

Just one day after laying an extremely rare smackdown on Seattle Ace Felix Hernandez, the Houston Astros pitchers were roughed up by the Mariners in an 8-1 loss at Minute Maid Park Saturday.

The Mariners, led by a three-run homer by 1B Logan Morrison, put up a five-run first inning against Houston starter Collin McHugh. Morrison added a two-run blast in the third inning on his way to a career-high five RBI performance.

McHugh gave up eight runs, all earned, on nine hits and two walks, with one strikeout, in only three innings of work in taking the loss for Houston. McHugh’s season record fell to 6-3. He has only won two of his last eight starts.

Veteran right-hander Roberto Hernandez was able to stop the bleeding going four scoreless innings giving up only four hits in the period while racking up five strikeouts.

Mariners left-hander Mike Montgomery (1-1) picked up his first career win by holding to the Astros to one run and six hits in six innings in his third career start. The only run he allowed came in the fifth, when Jason Castro and George Springer hit back-to-back one-out doubles.

"It means a lot," Montgomery said of his first win. "It's been awhile in the Minor Leagues. At this point, winning is always better. I just want to come out here and help the team win as many games as I can. As a starting pitcher, your job is to go out there and put up zeroes and let your offense and defense do work."

The Astros and Mariners conclude their three game series Sunday with a first pitch slated for 1:10 p.m. CDT at Minute Maid Park. The Mariners are expected to sent LHP Roenis Elias (3-3, 2.79) to the hill, while the Astros plan to start Lance McCullars Jr. (2-1. 2.32). McCullars has 36 strikeouts in his five starts as major leaguer.

The game can be heard on Sports Radio 1340 the Fan beginning with Astro’s Launch at 12:45 p.m.