Mariners win third straight over Astros

HOUSTON — Ryon Healy had three hits and drove in the go-ahead run, Guillermo Heredia made a spectacular catch to preserve the lead in the eighth inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Houston Astros 3-2 on Saturday night.

It was yet another win in a close game by the Mariners, who have taken three straight from their AL West rivals and improved to 44-17 this season in games decided by one or two runs.

Seattle trailed 2-0 before scoring all of its runs with a two-out rally in the fourth. Nelson Cruz singled and scored on a double by Kyle Seager that sailed over centre-fielder Tony Kemp’s head. Chris Hermann tripled to right field to tie it.

Healy put the Mariners on top with a single but was out at second trying to stretch it into a double.

With no outs and a runner at first in the eighth, Kemp hit a ball to centre field that looked sure to drop in for a hit. Heredia raced to track it down and grabbed it as he fell to the ground. He popped up and threw to first to complete the double-play.

An incredulous Kemp put both hands on his head as he trotted back to the dugout.

Wade LeBlanc (7-2) allowed three hits and two runs in five innings. Four relievers allowed a combined two hits in three innings before Edwin Diaz struck out two in a perfect ninth for his MLB-leading 45th save.

Charlie Morton (12-3) yielded seven hits and three runs in six innings for his first loss since July 1.

Meanwhile, Seattle righthander Erasmo Ramirez, who hasn’t pitched since April 27 because of a shoulder injury, will come off the disabled list to start on Sunday.

Today, Houston lefty Dallas Keuchel (9-9, 3.53 ERA) opposes Ramirez (0-2, 10.24).