Mariners Snap Skid With Ichiro-Inspired Victory Over Astros

Seattle uses small ball and late-inning heroics to defeat division rival Houston

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros, with the players and action on the field broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color.The Mariners' Ichiro-inspired victory over the Astros showcases the team's resilience and ability to win in a variety of ways.West Sacramento Today

The Seattle Mariners snapped a five-game losing streak with a 10-7 victory over the Houston Astros, inspired by the unveiling of a new statue honoring franchise legend Ichiro Suzuki. The Mariners jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning without recording an extra-base hit, then added key runs late to hold off a Houston comeback attempt.

Why it matters

The Mariners' win over the division-leading Astros could provide a much-needed boost as they look to climb back into playoff contention after a rough start to the season. The Ichiro statue unveiling also served as a celebratory moment for the franchise and its fans, honoring one of the greatest players in team history.

The details

Seattle used four walks, a hit-by-pitch, and an infield single to score three runs in the first inning off Astros starter Tatsuya Imai, who was chased after just one-third of an inning. Houston tied the game in the second on a three-run double by Christian Vázquez, but the Mariners regained the lead on a two-run homer by Randy Arozarena in the fifth. Seattle then tacked on four more runs in the seventh, which proved crucial after Yordan Alvarez hit a three-run shot for the Astros in the eighth. The Mariners' bullpen closed out the win, with Andres Muñoz earning the save.

  • The Mariners unveiled a statue of Ichiro Suzuki outside T-Mobile Park before the game.
  • Seattle scored three runs in the first inning without recording an extra-base hit.
  • Randy Arozarena hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning to give the Mariners the lead.
  • The Mariners scored four runs in the seventh inning to extend their advantage.
  • Yordan Alvarez hit a three-run homer for the Astros in the eighth inning to make it a close game.

The players

Ichiro Suzuki

A Hall of Fame outfielder who spent the majority of his MLB career with the Mariners, and is considered one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Randy Arozarena

The Mariners' outfielder who hit a key two-run homer in the fifth inning to give Seattle the lead.

Yordan Alvarez

The Astros' slugging designated hitter who hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning to keep Houston in the game.

Andres Muñoz

The Mariners' closer who earned the save by escaping a ninth-inning jam.

Joe Espada

The Astros' manager who was frustrated with his team's lack of control on the mound but took solace in making Seattle use its top relievers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In the Hall of Fame, I was short one vote. Today, the bat was broke. It kind of lets me know that I'm still not there, that I still need to keep going. So, this is a good example of that.”

— Ichiro Suzuki

“Just having a tough time as a unit, throwing strikes. We were working to make our adjustments but it takes a toll on our staff and our offense keeps grinding … the fact that we got Brash and Muñoz in that game, I take that as a win for us. Four-game series, you get two of their high-leverage pitchers in the game. Kept fighting till the end.”

— Joe Espada, Astros Manager

What’s next

The Mariners and Astros will continue their four-game series on Saturday, with Houston's Lance McCullers Jr. scheduled to face Seattle's Luis Castillo in a matchup of right-handed starters who are both looking to bounce back from short outings in their previous starts.

The takeaway

The Mariners' victory over the division-leading Astros, sparked by the unveiling of an Ichiro statue, could provide a much-needed morale boost for the team as they look to climb back into playoff contention. The game showcased Seattle's ability to win in a variety of ways, from small ball to late-inning heroics, and demonstrated the team's resilience in the face of a tough start to the season.