The History of the Rivalry
The Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners have been division rivals since the Astros joined the American League West in 2013. However, the rivalry dates back even further to when the Astros were in the National League Central and the Mariners were in the American League West. The two teams have faced each other over 300 times in their history, with the Astros holding a slight edge in the all-time series.
The Current State of the Teams
As of the 2021 season, the Astros are one of the top teams in baseball, with a deep and talented roster led by stars like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Alex Bregman. The Mariners, meanwhile, are a young and up-and-coming team with a lot of potential, but still in the process of building a competitive roster.
Recent Meetings
The Astros and Mariners have faced each other several times already in the 2021 season, with the Astros winning most of the matchups. However, the Mariners have shown that they’re capable of competing with the Astros, as evidenced by a close game in early April that ended in a 1-0 victory for Houston.
The Key Players to Watch
For the Astros, all eyes will be on Jose Altuve, who has been one of the best players in baseball over the past several years. Carlos Correa is also a dynamic player to watch, with a combination of power and speed that makes him a threat both at the plate and on the basepaths. On the Mariners’ side, young stars like Kyle Lewis and Jarred Kelenic will be looking to make their mark against one of the best teams in baseball.
The Importance of the Rivalry
While the Astros-Mariners rivalry may not be as heated as some other baseball rivalries, it’s still an important one for both teams and their fans. Divisional games are always crucial in baseball, and the Astros and Mariners know that every win or loss could make a difference in the race for the playoffs. Additionally, the rivalry provides an opportunity for both teams to showcase their talent and compete against a worthy opponent.
Conclusion
The Astros and Mariners may not have the same level of animosity as some other baseball rivals, but their matchups are always competitive and worth watching. With talented players on both sides and the potential for playoff implications, the Astros-Mariners rivalry is one that should continue to be closely watched by baseball fans.
