The Mariners approach the Jays

With an 8-5 win over the Houston Astros on Wednesday, the Seattle Mariners are now half a game away from the Toronto Blue Jays in the standings.

Both teams are involved in the American League playoff race. The only major Canadian roster in major league baseball is two games behind the Boston Red Sox, who sit in the last spot of second best.

The Jays and Sox will be in action later in the evening, however.

Against the Astros at Minute Maid Park, the Mariners enjoyed the joy of victory with a four-point push in the ninth inning. Jose Marmolejos first hit a single that allowed two of his teammates to step on the plate and break a 4-4 tie.

JP Crawford then gave his people a more comfortable cushion. The 26-year-old shortstop hit a two-run long ball.

Back at bat, Alex Bregman gave the Astros hope for a comeback with a solo homerun. The next three hitters did, however, hit balls and the Mariners’ defense did the job.

The victory went to the record of Diego Castillo (3-5), while the setback was conceded by Ryan Pressly (5-2).

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