Mariners Rally Late to Defeat Struggling Astros

J.P. Crawford's walk-off single caps Seattle's comeback victory

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros, with sharp planes of color representing the players and field.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic late-inning comeback by the Seattle Mariners against their AL West rivals, the Houston Astros.Tacoma Today

The Seattle Mariners rallied from a five-run deficit to defeat the Houston Astros 8-7 on Saturday. Mariners leadoff hitter J.P. Crawford drove in the winning run with a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth inning, capping Seattle's comeback. The Mariners have now scored 17 runs over the past two games after managing just a handful in the previous eight contests.

Why it matters

The Mariners' victory over the struggling Astros, who have now lost six straight games, keeps Seattle in the hunt in the competitive AL West division race. Crawford's heroics at the plate have provided a much-needed spark for the Mariners' offense, which has sputtered at times this season.

The details

Batting leadoff for the second straight game, J.P. Crawford went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBIs, including the game-winning single in the ninth inning. The Mariners rallied from a 7-2 deficit, scoring five runs in the fifth inning to tie the game. Julio Rodriguez hit a solo home run in the fifth to knot the score at 7-7 before Crawford's walk-off hit in the ninth.

  • The four-game series between the Mariners and Astros will continue on Sunday afternoon in Seattle.
  • Mariners starter Logan Gilbert (0-2, 5.40 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound on Sunday.

The players

J.P. Crawford

The Mariners' leadoff hitter, who drove in the winning run with a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Julio Rodriguez

The Mariners' young star, who hit a solo home run in the fifth inning to tie the game at 7-7.

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' catcher, who hit a home run after Crawford drew a walk in the first inning.

Bryan Abreu

The Astros' reliever, who walked three batters in a row in the ninth inning to set up Crawford's game-winning hit.

Jeremy Pena

The Astros' shortstop, who left the game with right posterior knee tightness and is scheduled for further testing on Sunday.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's been a catalyst for us.”

— Cal Raleigh, Mariners catcher

“Even down 0-2 (in the count), you know he's going to make the most of it. We talk about it, when you're tied or down a run, go back up the middle or go the other way. That at-bat was awesome.”

— Dan Wilson, Mariners manager

“He's a gamer, what can you say? He came back as quick as he could. Not only did he want to get back in the lineup, but to contribute in a meaningful way.”

— Dan Wilson, Mariners manager

“That's the right guy we want in that spot, and you know, good closer made good pitches and we couldn't get that big hit.”

— Joe Espada, Astros manager

“I didn't tell anyone, which I probably should have. I woke up (Saturday) feeling pretty good and went into the game feeling really good, and then it tightened up on me. I think it's best to stay on top of it.”

— Jeremy Pena

What’s next

The Mariners and Astros will conclude their four-game series on Sunday afternoon in Seattle, with Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert taking the mound.

The takeaway

The Mariners' comeback victory over the struggling Astros showcases the team's resilience and the impact of leadoff hitter J.P. Crawford, who has provided a much-needed spark to Seattle's offense. The win keeps the Mariners in the hunt in the competitive AL West division race.