Convenience Big Store: A 'slap in the face' for Astros

Today's starting lineup

For three games, the Astros were outpitched and outslugged by the Mariners at their own ballpark.

Seattle left after a 7-6 win Sunday a half-game behind the Astros in the standings, having completed its first sweep of them in five years. With both teams chasing Texas, it left Houston closer to third place than first in the AL West.

"The weekend, I would say, a slap in the face," catcher Martín Maldonado said. "We should have played better. We should have come through better overall. Like I said to everybody after the game, this is probably the most disappointing part of the season. We should take it as a slap in the face and a wake-up call."

The Astros, who were without Kyle Tucker again, head to Boston to see if they can regain their touch.

The Texans were still reeling from a 28-3 loss to the Dolphins, and although it was only preseason, it was also a slap in the face.

Jonathan M. Alexander looks at players whose stock is rising and falling after the second preseason game.

Houston also decided to cancel its joint workouts with the Saints in New Orleans ahead of their next preseason game.

If you want to read about a winner, the Dynamo blanked Portland 5-0 to keep their edge in the playoff race in the Western Conference.

If you want a human-interest story, former Fulshear basketball player Isaiah Bargainier, recounts his family's recent trip to Maui and brush with the wildfires that devastated the island.

And, if you want to get ready for some high school football, here's the schedule for the first week, which kicks off on Thursday.

Stat of the day: 53-27. Seattle's scoring margin over the Astros in 10 games this season. The Mariners are 8-2 against Houston.

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown, center left, talks to pitching coach Josh Miller during the first inning of a Major League Baseball game on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer

A 'slap in the face' sweep spurs a team meeting

Astros say sweep at hands of Seattle was most disappointing part of season.

Mariners 7, Astros 6: The Mariners' win Sunday ties them with Astros in the loss column and puts them a half-game behind Houston in the AL West standings.
Next milestone: We did the math and made comparisons to check on the chances of Jose Altuve becoming just the 34th member of the 3,000-hit club.
Sick day: Kyle Tucker was out of the Astros lineup for a third consecutive game as he recovers from an illness.
On deck: While Houston remains in pursuit of the AL West lead, the Bosox have emerged among its competitors in the wild-card race.