Mariners clobber Astros to pick up key win

(Photo credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images)
George Kirby pitched six strong innings, Julio Rodriguez joined the 20-20 club and the Seattle Mariners kept pace in the playoff race with an 8-1 win at the Houston Astros on Wednesday in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Seattle (82-77) closed within two games of the final American Leaguewild-card spot pending results by Detroit and Kansas City later Wednesday.

The Mari