Houston Astros vs Seattle Mariners Picks and Predictions May 24th 2025

Mariners Look for Another Early-Count Power Surge vs. Astros

The Seattle Mariners are redefining offensive aggression in the American League West. On Friday night, they made a loud statement against the Houston Astros by hitting three home runs — all on the very first pitch of their at-bats. This aggressive approach helped Seattle secure a 5-3 victory, leveling their four-game series with Houston and spotlighting a potential shift in how they intend to dismantle opposing pitching strategies.

Seattle’s First-Pitch Strategy Yields Results

Aggressiveness at the plate can be a double-edged sword, but for the Mariners, it’s working. Cal Raleigh’s two-run homer in the seventh inning came off a first-pitch slider from Astros reliever Bryan Abreu, sealing Seattle’s win. That long ball was Raleigh’s 17th of the season, reinforcing his role as a reliable power hitter in high-leverage moments.

In addition to Raleigh, Leody Taveras and Miles Mastrobuoni each hit solo home runs on first-pitch offerings from Astros starter Ryan Gusto. Taveras went deep in the third inning, while Mastrobuoni followed suit to lead off the fifth. This trio of home runs emphasized the Mariners’ collective mindset: swing early, swing smart, and punish predictable pitching.

Manager Dan Wilson highlighted this tactical approach, noting that the first pitch is often the most hittable — especially when runners are on base. His message to the team has clearly resonated, and the results speak for themselves.

Houston Must Reassess Pitching Tactics

The Astros may be forced to rethink their approach to opening each at-bat. Friday’s outcome revealed a potential vulnerability: predictable first-pitch strikes. Seattle capitalized on this, and unless adjustments are made, it could be another long day for Houston’s arms.

Ryan Gusto struggled to keep hitters guessing early in counts, and Bryan Abreu’s mistake to Raleigh proved costly. The Astros’ coaching staff will likely stress more varied sequencing and off-speed pitches to prevent a repeat performance.

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Saturday’s Pitching Matchup: Woo vs. Valdez

Right-hander Bryan Woo gets the ball for Seattle on Saturday. He enters the matchup with a 5-1 record and a sterling 2.65 ERA. Woo has been remarkably consistent this season, pitching at least six innings in each of his nine starts and allowing one or fewer earned runs in three of four starts this month. His ability to limit damage and maintain command has made him a stabilizing force in the Mariners’ rotation.

Woo has seen the Astros before, compiling a 1-0 record with a 2.31 ERA across two career starts. His most recent outing against Houston saw him allow just two runs on four hits over 5 2/3 innings.

Opposing him will be Astros left-hander Framber Valdez, who sports a 3-4 record and a 3.57 ERA. Valdez is in solid form, having posted three straight quality starts. His latest outing featured seven innings of three-run ball against the Texas Rangers, with eight strikeouts. With 22 strikeouts and only five walks over his last 22 innings, Valdez is proving reliable.

Valdez has historically pitched well against the Mariners, with a 6-3 record and a 3.33 ERA in 17 career appearances. He delivered six scoreless innings against Seattle back in April, showing his potential to shut down the lineup when on point.

Wesneski’s Season Ends Early

In unfortunate news for the Astros, right-hander Hayden Wesneski has been shut down for the season following Tommy John surgery. Acquired in a high-profile offseason trade, his loss affects Houston’s depth and long-term pitching outlook. With Wesneski sidelined, the pressure increases on the rest of the rotation and bullpen to pick up the slack as the season progresses.

What’s at Stake in the AL West

This series carries weight beyond just another win or loss column entry. The Mariners and Astros are battling not only for positioning but also for psychological momentum. With the division race tightening, every tactical edge matters. Seattle’s recent success at the plate — particularly their aggressive first-pitch approach — could serve as a blueprint for future matchups.

As both teams gear up for the rest of the series, bettors and fans alike can track updated analysis and expert breakdowns at Scores and Stats MLB Previews. Whether you’re following the action for fun or considering a wager, reviewing current trends and stats is key.

For those interested in wagering, make sure to consult the Expert MLB Betting Guide to stay informed on strategic picks and analysis. Additionally, real-time odds and insights are available at the MLB Picks Page, which can help enhance decision-making for daily matchups.

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Looking Ahead

With the series tied and both teams sending quality starters to the mound, Saturday’s matchup promises high stakes and potentially more fireworks. If the Mariners continue their trend of ambushing first pitches, the Astros will need to adapt quickly or risk falling further behind in the division race.