Houston @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 10, 2013 ) Houston 13, Seattle 2

The Houston Astros have struggled on offense most of the season but certainly have a penchant for putting up big performances against the Seattle Mariners. The visiting Astros attempt to complete a three-game sweep in Seattle on Wednesday one night after smacking a season-high 10 extra-base hits while pounding the Mariners 13-2. It is the fourth time this season that Houston scored eight or more runs in a victory over Seattle.

The Mariners have lost three consecutive games and seven of 10 after slipping to 8-10 against the lowly Astros (49-96) this season. Seattle ace Felix Hernandez (back) was scratched from Wednesday’s start and rookie Brandon Maurer will make his first start since May 28. Houston had 17 hits in Tuesday’s game with the assault being led by second baseman Jose Altuve (three hits, three RBIs, three steals), designated hitter Chris Carter (reached base five times on three hits and two walks), outfielder L.J. Hoes (three RBIs) and first baseman Brandon Laird (homer, three RBIs).

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Houston), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Brad Peacock (4-5, 5.62 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Brandon Maurer (4-7, 6.85)

Peacock has won three of his last four starts with the defeat during the stretch coming against Seattle. He was touched up for five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings during that Aug. 30 loss before rebounding to beat Oakland, striking out nine in seven innings while allowing two runs and five hits. Peacock is 1-2 with a 9.64 ERA in three career starts against the Mariners.

Maurer has been hit hard most of the season and has allowed 14 homers in just 69 2/3 innings. He has given up 92 hits and opposing hitters have a collective .323 average against him. Maurer didn’t even make it out of the first inning against Houston on April 9, giving up six runs and seven hits in two-thirds of an inning.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros have struck out 1,366 times, surpassing the franchise mark of 1,365 set last season.

2. Slumping Mariners 2B Nick Franklin is 7-for-58 over his last 18 games.

3. Houston C Cody Clark went 0-for-5 on Tuesday and has struck out 12 times in 24 hitless major-league at-bats.

PREDICTION: Astros 11, Mariners 8