Sunday wasn’t a must-win game for the Astros, but it was close. A three-game sweep at the hands of the Mariners would have seen their lead atop the American League West division dwindle to two games.

Christian Walker hit a go-ahead solo homer in the sixth inning as the Houston Astros rallied from an early three-run deficit and beat the Seattle Mariners 11-3 to avoid a series sweep.

After taking his lumps against a slew of tough arms, Astros rookie Brice Matthews put it all together Monday night against Arizona.

Houston's run prevention machine has broken down in July, putting undue pressure on a lineup that is ill-equipped to carry an entire team.

Rookie second baseman Cole Young hit a walk-off single in the 11th inning to give the Seattle Mariners a 7-6 victory over the Houston Astros.

The Astros looked like they were destined to leave Seattle with their tails between their legs, having just frittered a seven-game AL West lead down to two games. They started the game with enough injuries to fill a small hospital,