Mariners Game #97 Preview, 7/18/25: SEA vs. HOU
The second half kicks off with a crucial matchup.
After a thrilling All-Star week that saw our very own Cal Raleigh shine on the national stage, the grind of the second half is underway. For the third time in the last four seasons, the M’s will come out of the break facing the Astros, and will hope to reverse the trend of their last two meetings (a combined 1-5 record).
Lineups:
Luis Castillo gets the ball out of the gate for Seattle, and will look to build on a gutsy five-inning, three-run outing against the Tigers last Friday. While the bullpen is all rested after the break, it would behoove La Piedra to get a little deeper into the game tonight, as this is the first game of a 17-game stretch without an off day. The M’s will be rolling out their righty-heavy lineup tonight, and with Houston’s deep reserve of southpaw pitchers, we might not see a ton of the pinch-hitting that has permeated the season.
As for the Astros, Isaac Paredes will lead off in place of the injured Jeremy Peña, and old friend Taylor Trammell is batting sixth and playing center field. Lefty Brandon Walter will start on the mound, and with his pinpoint command (two walks in 40.2 innings!), Seattle may have plenty of chances to do some damage on pitches in the zone.
News:
You may have been alarmed to see that Sunday’s starter remains to be determined, and per Shannon Drayer, the M’s are still figuring out who will take the mound. Logan Gilbert and George Kirby are both healthy, so keep an eye out for one of them or All-Star Bryan Woo to step in.
Game Info:
First Pitch: 7:10pm PDT. Note that the later start is due to the postgame fireworks show.
TV: ROOT Sports NW, with Aaron Goldsmith and Ryan Rowland-Smith, as well as Jen Mueller as field reporter
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Gary Hill Jr. and Rich Waltz