A Loss in Song

Top of the 1st: Framber Valdez walks the bases loaded, setting up a 2-RBI single for Tom Murphy. (2-0)

Bottom of the 1st: Astros score three on hits and... more walks. (2-3)

Top of the 2nd: Valdez is suddenly an ace? (2-3)

Bottom of the 2nd: Tommy Milone takes over and only allows one base runner, which is a marked improvement. (2-3)

Top of the 3rd: Leadoff walk for Austin Nola, but he remains on first. (2-3)

Bottom of the 3rd: Tommy Milone throws a 1-2-3 inning! (2-3)

Top of the 4th: A single, an error, a fielder’s choice, a couple stolen bases and a walk allow the Mariners to just barely cross the plate, but their attempts to make it home are very clumsy. (3-3)

Bottom of the 4th: Josh Reddick, hitter of zero home runs since late June, has hit two home runs in two days while wearing George Springer’s pants. (3-4)

Top of the 5th: Mariners, allegedly up to bat this inning, did nothing.(3-4)

Bottom of the 5th: After two hits, a hit-by-pitch and a fielder’s choice, Milone gets out of the inning having given up only one run. It could’ve been better, but it could’ve been worse. (3-5)

Top of the 6th: Danny Vogelbach hits a home run, reminding us that he can hit those. (4-5)

Bottom of the 6th: Three pitchers later, the Mariners have lost control. (4-7)

Top of the 7th: Seager, hit by a pitch, hopes in vain that somebody will come through for him. (4-7)

Bottom of the 7th: Kyle Tucker, Thorn in Side, gets on base and steals another. Why won’t he leave Brandon Brennan alone? (7-4)

Top of the 8th: Shed Long, with two outs, singles. It’s a nice try, but it’s just not going to happen. (4-7)

Bottom of the 8th: Brandon Brennan allows a single to Jose Altuve, but who can blame him? He pitches well for two innings, but in this loss (oops, sorry - they lose) nobody will remember or appreciate it. (4-7)

Top of the 9th: Three up and three down, the Mariners can only think about the mistakes they made, the things they didn’t do. (4-7)