Colby Rasmus’ seventh-inning, two-out, two-run home run broke open a tight ballgame. And George Springer’s insurance solo shot in the ninth secured a 6-2 win for the Houston Astros over the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field Sunday.

Springer’s home run extended the Astros' franchise record of consecutive games with multiple homers to eight.

Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images
Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images
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The win was the sixth victory for Houston in the past eight games.

"That was a good win for us and we had to use a lot of bullpen," said Astros manager A.J. Hinch, whose bullpen held the Mariners to two hits and one run in 5 2/3 innings. "We had to wait out their guy. You know, tack on some runs at the end and then just an overall good win. Contributions by a number of guys, especially the bullpen."

"I will say getting out of that first inning with one run, regardless of how he sort of got through it, was a real key in this game," Hinch said. "That's about as many pitches as you can throw in the shortest amount of time, I think, probably in the history."

Astro rookie Vincent Velasquez was not sharp in his start, allowing one run on two hits in 3 1/3 innings. It took him 93 pitches -- 43 in the first inning -- for his outing. Velasquez walked two batters in the first inning and managed to allow only one run as Seattle left the bases loaded.

Mariner starter J.A. Happ gave up three runs, two earned, on seven hits in his five innings of work.

"I thought J.A. pitched behind in the count early in the ballgame, but as the game went on I thought he started to find his groove," said Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon. "Really, if you think about it, he pitched well enough to win the day."

Will Harris (4-0), one of five relievers Hinch used,  pitched 1 1/3 innings  giving up only two walks to pick up the win.

Houston took the lead in the fifth inning when Seattle Shortstop Brad Miller misplayed  a two-out ground ball hit by Evan Gattis, that allowed Jason Castro to score from second base.

The Astros continue their road trip by heading to Los Angeles to take on the Angles, Houston will send left-hander Brett Oberholtzer, who is 2-0 with a 1..88 ERA, since returning from the disabled list.

The Angles will send Hector Santiago (4-4, 2.77) to the mound Monday.

First pitch is slated for 9:05 p.m. CDT Monday. You can hear the game on Sports Radio 1340 The Fan beginning with Astro’s Launch at  8:40 p.m. CDT.

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