Astros Extend Lead Over Mariners

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Houston Astros solidified their position in the AL West with a commanding 6-0 victory against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night, marking their largest division lead of the season. This win came on a day when the Seattle Mariners, their closest competitors, made headlines by firing manager Scott Servais. The Astros now hold a 5 1/2-game lead over Seattle, a significant turnaround from being 10 games behind just two months ago. Manager Joe Espada praised his team's resilience, stating, “This team finds ways to just stay in the fight.” The Astros have shown remarkable improvement, rebounding from a dismal 7-19 start to the season with a record of 62-39 since then. The victory against the Orioles, who are also in contention for the AL East title, underscores Houston's strong performance as they continue their pursuit of postseason success. In the game, newcomers Spencer Arrighetti and Ben Gamel made notable contributions, with Gamel driving in two runs in his Astros debut. Shay Whitcomb added a two-run single in the sixth inning, further solidifying the Astros' lead. Espada credited the team's success to a collaborative effort from the front office to player development, highlighting the depth of talent within the organization. The Astros' win marks their ninth consecutive victory on the road, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure against teams vying for playoff positions. As the season progresses, the stakes continue to rise, making each game increasingly significant for both the Astros and their rivals.