Astros fall again

Seattle’s three-run fourth enough to send Astros to third straight loss.

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 center 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 center 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 slowly 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 in 48 opportunities.

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

The Astros took an early lead on a two-run single by Tyler White in the second. Houston didn’t have another baserunner until White walked to open the fifth. But LeBlanc got three routine outs to end the inning and his night.

Seattle had a chance to add to the lead in the sixth when Span singled to start the inning and Cruz singled with one out. But Seager grounded into a double play.

Trainer’s room

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

Astros: OF Jake Marisnick was placed on the 10-day disabled list with groin discomfort after he was injured running the bases on Friday night.

OF Kyle Tucker was recalled from Triple-A Fresno to take Marisnick’s spot on the roster.

Up next

Houston left-hander Dallas Keuchel (9-9, 3.53 ERA) opposes Ramirez (0-2, 10.24) when the series concludes on Sunday.

Keuchel has won six of his last seven decisions and allowed just three hits and one run in his last start but did not factor in the decision in a 2-1 win over the Giants.

Ramirez is taking Felix Hernandez’s spot in the rotation after the longtime Mariners ace, who has struggled all season, was demoted to the bullpen on Thursday night.

Karen Warren / Staff photographer The Astros’ Evan Gattis reacts after flying out during the eighth inning Saturday. Houston has dropped three in a row to Seattle.