~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

[johnstone1987]

--Saving A Sinking Ship-- The Story of the Seattle Mariners--


~~PROLOGUE~~

The Seattle Mariners is a Franchise in search of an identity. Year after the year the ballclub has failed to reach any kind of expectations. The Mariners are in need of a desperate makeover but that's easier said than done. For years, the Mariners have failed to rekindle the magic of the 2001 Season when they went 116-46 and reached the ALCS, where they crashed and burned to the Yankees hard in 5 games.
After that history making season the Mariners fell back down to earth and hard. Year after year, the Franchise has fallen flat on their face before reaching the finish line. Many faces have come and go from the club including Ichiro, Bret Boone, Ken Griffey Jr, Dan Wilson, among countless others.
The Franchise is in dire need of a new direction. The story of the Mariners doesn't begin in 2018 however but decades earlier in 2002. After a 2001 trip to the Playoffs, Seattle has not seen the Post Season since. Many fingers and even more blame have been pointed to the Front Office where countless General Managers and Personnel have failed to deliver Seattle a Playoff appearance in 17 years.
This is where the story of the 2018 Seattle Mariners begins. With new faces joining old faces, a new direction in the General Office, "Trader Jerry" Dipoto is out the door. A new General Manager is in, it's time for the Seattle Mariners to reach up and grab that brass ring. Not only a trip back to the Post-Season. But a World Series Championship....



~~Using MLB 18 The Show, I will be following the Seattle Mariners (My favorite Team.) and to keep things fun and entertaining I'm doing 30 Team Roster control. I will also do some recaps of other games to keep it entertaining. EX: Like a Series of Red Sox VS Yankees.~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

Seattle Mariners Depth Chart - 2018
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
C	Mike Zunino	Tuffy Gosewisch
1B	Ryon Healy
2B	Robinson Cano
3B	Kyle Seager
SS	Jean Segura	Taylor Motter
LF	Ben Gamel
CF	Dee Gordon	Guilermo Heredia	Kirk Nieuwenhuis
RF	Mitch Haniger	Nelson Cruz
DH	Nelson Cruz
SP	Felix Hernandez	James Paxton	Mike Leake	Hisashi Iwakuma
RP	Juan Nicasio	Tony Zych	Mike Morin	David Phelps
CL	Edwin Diaz

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

2018 Seattle Mariners TEAM Preview

The Front Office

Jerry Dipoto is gone. Taking his place in the Front Office is General Manager Lou Pinella. A longtime Mariners Executive, Coach, and experienced Consultant across the league, he looks to turn Seattle in a whole new direction and find an identity in a very tough AL West Division.


The Coaching Staff

Manager Scott Servais has returned for his last year in his Contract. Rumors swirled around that Lou Pinella had no intentions on negotiating any Contract extensions with the Staff. Mariners Legend Edgar Martinez returns as the Hitting Coach.

The Pitching Staff

King Felix Hernandez will be the #1. No surprise there as the Ace will have a decent bullpen behind him in James Paxton, Mike Leake, and phenom Closer, Edwin Diaz.


The Infield

All eyes will be on Second Baseman Robinson Cano and his massive 72m Dollar Contract. Ryon Healy will be the First Baseman and Kyle Seager and Jean Segura will round out the infield. Zunio is behind the plate. Dan Vogelbach didn't make the 25 Man cut due to a poor spring and will start the year in AAA Tacoma with Mariners Legend Ichiro who signed a deal to return to Seattle at 44 years old.


The Outfield

Ben Gamel, Mitch Haniger, Dee Gordon will anchor the Mariners Defense in the back. Nelson Cruz has been named the DH.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

Game #1

Cleveland Indians at Seattle Mariners
Mar 29, 2018	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cleveland (0-0)	0	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	1	4	8	1
Seattle (0-0)	0	1	0	0	0	4	0	0	X	5	6	0
W: Felix Hernandez(SEA)(1-0) L: Corey Kluber(CLE)(0-1) S: Edwin Diaz(SEA)(1)

Cleveland Indians
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG

Seattle Mariners
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG

Cleveland Indians
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA

Seattle Mariners
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA

MARINERS hold off INDIANS for Opening Day Win!



RECAP




SEATTLE- Today was Opening Day across the Majors and the Seattle Mariners(1-0) had a tough test in front of them. The AL Central Defending Champions, Cleveland Indians(0-1).

"First day jitters for everybody." Indians Manager Terry Francona stated.

The Indians are coming off a tough ALDS to the Yankees where they lost in 5 games.

It was a game of chess until the 5th Inning when Cleveland got on the scoreboard 2-1.

Both Aces held their own today and not wanting to back down.

The Mariners broke the door wide open with a 2 run blast by Catcher Mike Zunino.

"We we're hitting the ball well today I thought." Mariners Manager Scott Servais stated.

Felix Hernandez held his own against the Tribe finishing the day with 6.1 Innings pitched, 5 hits, 3 runs, and 8 Strikeouts.

Not a bad day for the King.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

GAME #2



"Big Maple" owns the Day as MARINERS beat INDIANS 4-1!

Cleveland Indians at Seattle Mariners
Mar 31, 2018	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cleveland (0-2)	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	0
Seattle (2-0)	0	0	3	1	0	0	0	0	X	4	4	0
W: James Paxton(1-0) L: Carlos Carrasco(0-1) S: Edwin Diaz(2)

Cleveland Indians
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG

Seattle Mariners
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
BATTING: 2B: Ben Gamel(SEA) HR: Kyle Seager(SEA)(1) HR: Jean Segura(SEA)(1) HR: Mitch Haniger(SEA)(1)

Cleveland Indians
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA

Seattle Mariners
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA

RECAP

SEATTLE- The Cleveland Indians(0-2) looked to rebound after a tough loss to the Mariners(2-0) on Opening Day.

But today was not the day.

"Big Maple" James Paxton took the ball and the #2 Ace completely dominated the Tribe.

"I was on it today. Very proud of the job we did as a Team." Paxton stated.

Paxton went a full 7 Innings retiring the first 9 Indians he faced. He finished the day 10 Strikeouts and only allowed 1 hit and a run.

Cleveland failed to solve James Paxton until a Francisco Lindor Home Run in the 5th put Cleveland on the board.

But Seattle still led 4-1.

"It's a long season. They're gonna be times when you can't score and lose games. Today was one of those days." Indians Manager Terry Francona stated.

After giving up the only run, Big Maple finished off the Tribe before turning the ball over to Nick Vincent in the 8th who set up for Edwin Diaz to come in and get his 2nd Save of the year.

"Today was a very good day for us." Mariners Manager Scott Servais stated.

Seattle got on the board in the bottom of the 3rd with a two run blast by Short Stop Jean Segura.

Slugging Third Baseman Kyle Seager would follow suit.

"I saw the pitch over the middle and put a good swing on it." Seager stated.

The Mariners will attempt to get the sweep tomorrow afternoon but will face Indians new Free Agent, Ace Jake Arrieta.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

Game #3

Cleveland Indians at Seattle Mariners
Apr 1, 2018	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cleveland (0-3)	0	0	1	0	0	1	2	1	0	5	8	0
Seattle (3-0)	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	5	X	6	9	0
W: Juan Nicasio(1-0) L: Jake Arrieta(0-1) S: Edwin Diaz(3)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

SERIES PREVIEW



MARINERS prepare for Road Trip to San Francisco to battle GIANTS


SAN FRANCISCO- The San Francisco Giants had a small Dynasty going at the start of the Decade winning the World Series in 2010, 2012, and 2014. The Giants had a solid Playoff run in 2016 before losing to the Chicago Cubs. 2017 was a disaster for the Giants finishing with just 64 wins.

The days of the World Titles are way back in the rearview mirror for Bruce Bochy's Crew out of the bay.

"We enjoyed the glory days at the start of the Decade. We had some good years but we're looking ahead now." Giants Manager Bruce Bochy stated.

A few players remain from those "Glory Days" Buster Posey, Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, Hunter Pence, etc.

"It's a new year for us. Guys here are excited to see what we can do." Giants First Basemen Buster Posey stated.

The Giants(1-3) are coming off a rough Opening Day Series loss to Rivals Dodgers.

The Mariners(3-0) Swept the Indians to gain some momentum heading on their long Road Trip where they will meet the Giants, Twins, and Royals.

"It's nice to get some wins on the Road to help carry over some momentum." Mariners Manager Scott Servais stated.

The Mariners(3-0) are in their own makeover phrase this year under new Front Office Lou Pinella who returned to the Emerald City to help build up a Contender.

A Sweep of the Central Champions Indians(0-3) seem to point signs in the right direction.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

Game #4




MARINERS bats come alive in 11-3 thrashing over GIANTS!

San Francisco Giants at Seattle Mariners
Apr 3, 2018	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
San Francisco (1-4)	1	0	1	1	1	1	1	2	3	11	15	1
Seattle (4-0)	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	0	3	10	0
W: Hisashi Iwakuma(1-0) L: Ty Blach(0-1) S: None

San Francisco Giants
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
BATTING: HR: Gordon, Haniger, Zunino, Seager

Seattle Mariners
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
BATTING: HBP: McCutchen

San Francisco Giants
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA

Seattle Mariners
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA

RECAP



SAN FRANCISCO- The Seattle Mariners(4-0) first Road trip of the 2018 campaign landed them in the Bay to battle the struggling Giants(1-4).

The bats came alive today for Seattle as the M's blasted a total of 8 Home Runs with 3 of them by First Baseman Ryon Healy.

The Mariners jumped all over Giants Pitcher Ty Blach early and often.

"It was a rough day." Blach stated afterwards.

He finished the day lasting just 5 innings allowing 7 hits, 4 runs, while striking out 5.

Giants Skipper Bruce Bochy had to make a call to the Bullpen.

"Seattle came in hot today. We had to lean on our Bullpen." Bochy said.

So hot that Seattle rattled off 15 hits off the Giants.

"We hit the ball very well today." Mariners Skipper Scott Servais stated.

Mariners right hander Hisashi Iwakuma went 6 innings allowing 6 hits and a run with 8 K's.

"Huge win for myself after last year." Iwakuma stated.

The Mariners took a 5-0 lead into the bottom of the 5th when Giants Right Fielder Andrew McCutchen blasted a home run to put San Francisco on the board.

"He put us on the board but we need to score more." Bochy said.

The Mariners will look to earn their second Sweep of the year tomorrow when they finish the quick 2 game Series before heading to Minnesota.

[duh1call3dston3s]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

I like it! Miss reading recaps like this. I feel like most people these days just use graphics. Love what you’re doing, man. Keep up the good work!

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

I like it! Miss reading recaps like this. I feel like most people these days just use graphics. Love what you’re doing, man. Keep up the good work!

Yeah I always preferred recaps myself. Then again I was never really good at the whole Graphics lmao.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

Game #5




GIANTS drop 5 straight. MARINERS stay hot with 5th straight Win.

Seattle Mariners at San Francisco Giants
Apr 4, 2018	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Seattle (5-0)	7	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	8	11	2
San Francisco (1-5)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	8	0
W: Erasmo Ramirez(1-0) L: Madison Bumgarnger(1-1)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			SEA	SFO

Seattle Mariners
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG

San Francisco Giants
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG

Seattle Mariners
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Erasmo Ramirez	5.1	4	0	0	3	0	0	0.00
Juan Nicasio	3.2	4	1	0	0	5	0	1.92

San Francisco Giants
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Madison Bumgarner	3.0	9	7	7	0	2		7.83
Cory Gearrin	2.0	1	0	0	1	3		0.00
Sam Dyson	2.0	0	0	0	0	1		2.84

RECAP


SAN FRANCISCO- After a 7-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Opening Day, the San Francisco Giants have now lost 5 straight.

"Baseball is a long season, they're going to be times where you're in a slump. Right now we're in one and need to figure out how to get out of it." Giants Manager Bruce Bochy stated.

The Giants(1-5) have been swept in the quick 2 game series against the Mariners(5-0).

"Still way early in the year but each win is nice to get." Mariners Manager Scott Servais stated.

The Mariners dominated the Giants today 8-1 and jumped on "MadBum" early smashing 7 runs in just the first inning.

"It was one of those games you wish you can forget and take back." Bumgarner said.

Madison Bumgarner(1-1) was pulled after the third inning when the Mariners had a 7-0 lead.

"Bad games will happen. It's baseball." Bochy stated.

The Giants have appeared to slumping out of the gate after finishing the 2017 campaign with a dismal 68-94 record.

Right now it looks like the Giants will need to regroup to avoid another year missing the Post-Season.

A disturbing stat today however was that the San Francisco Giants left 14 men on base.

"Pitiful performance by us. Just horrendous." Giants Catcher Buster Posey stated.

The Mariners combined for just 5 strikeouts all game and 0 of them came from M's starter Erasmo Ramirez.

"We left so many chances out there today. We need to be better than that." Giants Skipper Bruce Bochy stated.

The San Francisco Giants(1-5) will lick their wounds today as they will get ready to host their Rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers(3-4) at AT&T Park.

The Seattle Mariners(5-0) will continue their road trip as they head to Minnesota and battle the Twins(3-2).

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

SERIES PREVIEW


SEATTLE MARINERS(5-0) @ MINNESOTA TWINS(3-2)



MARINERS face TWINS as Road Trip Continues....


MINNESOTA- The Seattle Mariners(5-0) road trip continues after a quick 2 game sweep over the slow start Giants(1-5) in San Francisco. Today the Mariners will attempt to keep their streak alive when they take on the Minnesota Twins(3-2).

The Twins are coming off a rough Opening Day series loss to the Baltimore Orioles but swept the Pirates in a quick 2 game series.

"That's one thing about Baseball. Every day is different. Ups and downs all year long." Twins Manager Paul Molitor stated.

He's in the last year of his Contract after signing with Minnesota in 2015.

The Twins will look to knock Seattle off as "The King" Felix Hernandez will take the ball in Game 1.

"He's possibly the best in Baseball. Need to be extra prepared for a guy that caliber." Twins Manager Paul Molitor stated.

"It's still early in the year but it's always hard going on the long road trips for games. We need to make sure we come prepared." Mariners Manager Scott Servais stated.

PITCHING MATCHUPS

Felix Hernandez(1-0) VS Jimmy Trenouth(0-1)

James Paxton(1-0) VS Michael Pineda(1-0)

Mike Leake(0-0) VS Ervin Santana(0-1)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

Game #6



TWINS end MARINERS Win Streak...

Seattle Mariners at Minnesota Twins
Apr 5, 2018	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Seattle (5-1)	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	8	0
Minnesota (4-2)	0	0	0	5	0	0	4	2	X	11	16	0
W: Jimmy Trenouth(1-1) L: Felix Hernandez(1-1) S: None

RECAP


MINNESOTA- The Seattle Mariners(5-1) nice 5 game win streak has come to an end this afternoon with a 11-1 thrashing from the Minnesota Twins(4-2).

"You're not going to win every game in this league. It's nice to have those win streaks however." Mariners Skipper Scott Servais stated.

The Twins dethroned the King today as Felix Hernandez was rattled after a solid 3 innings.

It was a different story however in the bottom of the 4th when Minnesota knocked out 5 runs thanks to a Joe Mauer's 3 run blast.

"I felt good at first out there. But the changing of the tide came much quicker." Hernandez stated.

Felix Hernandez lasted just 4 innings allowing 9 hits, 5 runs, a walk with 8 K's.

He was pulled after that.

The Mariners Bullpen fell apart after that.

Zych, Nicasio, and Pazos combined for 7 hits allowed, 6 runs, and only managed 2 strikeouts.

"It was a mess." Mariners Manager Scott Servais stated.

The Minnesota Twins(4-2) completely dominated today off a stellar performance by young left hander Jimmy Trenouth.

Trenouth lasted a full 8 innings allowing 8 hits, 1 run, and 13 Strikeouts.

Mariners Designated Hitter Nelson Cruz was the most victim of K's today going down 3 times.

"Just one of those games." Cruz stated.

Second Basemen Robinson Cano followed with 3.

"The way we played today was just amazing. Proud of the guys." Twins Manager Paul Molitor stated.

He's in his final year of his Contract with Minnesota and should get an extension if the Club can rebound after a Wild Card loss last year to the Yankees.

Paul Molitor was named Manager of the Year.

"I love this Club and would love to stay in Minnesota. We're still early in the Season however so that can wait." Molitor stated.

The Mariners will take their first loss of 2018 and with a day off tomorrow should bounce back on Saturday for Game 2 of the weekend series.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

Game #7




MARINERS repay the favor, crush TWINS off Mike Zunino's 3 HR Day.....

Seattle Mariners at Minnesota Twins
Apr 7, 2018	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Seattle (6-1)	0	2	3	1	3	3	0	0	0	12	15	0
Minnesota (4-3)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	6	0
W: James Paxton(2-0) L: Michael Pineda(1-1) S: None

RECAP



Minneapolis, MN- Mariners Catcher Mike Zunino was all smiles as he talked to the media today after the game.

He hit 3 Home Runs today as the Mariners(6-1) beat the Twins(4-3) 12-1 in pure dominant fashion.

"We we're just in the zone today. I can't explain it." Mike Zunino stated.

The Seattle Mariners(6-1) blew out the Minnesota Twins(4-3) and got some retribution for Thursday's opener when the Twins dominated them.

Mike Zunino, Dee Gordon, Kyle Seager, Nelson Cruz, Mitch Haniger, and Robinson Cano all homered for Seattle.

"We played like it was do or die." Mariners Manager Scott Servais stated.

The M's returned the favor when they jumped on Twins Michael Pineda' in the second inning when they took a 2-0 lead.

Seattle never looked back.

"It was a rough day for us." Twins Manager Paul Molitor stated. "It's one of those days."

The Twins(4-3) had to turn to their bullpen very early when Seattle took a 5-0 lead in the 3rd inning.

Michael Pineda didn't last past the 3rd when he was pulled allowing 7 hits, 6 runs, and couldn't get a single strikeout.

"They we're a very good team today." Pineda stated.

Minnesota's Bullpen perished in relief only getting 4 total strikeouts combined by 3 relievers.

Seattle kept pouring it on.

"We need to work at getting those strikeouts more." Molitor stated.

Mariners "Big Maple" James Paxton was masterful today. He only allowed 5 hits and got 9 strikeouts.

With the Mariners up 9-0 in the 6th Inning, Manager Scott Servais decided to put the ball in his bullpen.

"If we can spare our starters much needed rest and use our bullpen I plan on it." Mariners Manager Scott Servais stated.

Seattle turned to reliever David Phelps and he went 3 strong innings allowing no hits and struck out 5.

The Twins however wouldn't go down without a fight.

They showed signs of life and threatened to score in the 5th but Seattle would keep them off the scoreboard.

"Rough performance by us today. There's really nothing else to say. We just have to take it under the chin and get ready for tomorrow." Twins First Baseman Joe Mauer stated.

Tomorrow the Twins(4-3) will look to take the rubber match.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners...(The Show 18)

GAME #8



Fernando Rodney haunts old team as TWINS sneak past MARINERS 5-3!

Seattle Mariners at Minnesota Twins
Apr 8, 2018	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Seattle (6-2)	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	1	3	7	0
Minnesota (5-3)	0	2	2	0	0	1	0	0	X	5	8	0
W: Ervin Santana(1-1) L: Mike Leake(0-1) S: Fernando Rodney(3)

RECAP



Minneapolis, MN- Fernando Rodney picked up his 3rd save of the year. Ervin Santana racked up 6 strikeouts and the Minnesota Twins(5-3) take the rubber match over the Seattle Mariners(6-2) Sunday afternoon at Target Field.

"We knew we had to bounce back after what happened to us yesterday." Twins Manager Paul Molitor stated.

The Twins got on the board early taking a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 2nd inning.

Minnesota would add two more with Home runs by Brian Dozier and Eddie Rosario and Minnesota(5-3) took a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the 3rd.

Mariners right hander Mike Leake(0-1) was rattled for 8 hits, 5 runs, but kept his posure getting 6 strikeouts.

The Mariners(6-2) would battle back however with a Nelson Cruz homerun in the top of the 4th.

The score would be 4-1 moving forward with both clubs threatening to add more.

It was a game of chess.

Seattle would cut into the defecit again in the top of the 6th with a 455 foot bomb by Short Stop Taylor Motter to pull Seattle within 2.

Minnesota responded to make it 5-2 heading into the 7th.

"It was back and fourth today. They didn't want to budge. In this league you're going to have games like that." Mariners Manager Scott Servais stated.

A second home run by Taylor Motter in the 9th off Closer Fernando Rodney made it 5-3.

But the veteran Closer would get the last laugh.

Rodney was the Mariners Closer back in 2014-2015 but the Mariners finished 2014 with a 87-75 record and 2015 with a 76-86 record.

After the pitiful years, Lloyd McClendon was fired.

Fernando Rodney left to the south side of Chicago.

In the 9th inning Rodney racked up his 3rd Save of the year shutting the door on the Mariners.

"He's the anchor for us in the bullpen. He's always there for us when we need him." Twins Manager Paul Molitor stated.

With the rubber match in favor of Minnesota(5-3) the Mariners will continue their road trip as they fly south for a 3 game series with the slow start Kansas City Royals(3-6).

The Minnesota Twins(5-3) will stay home and get ready for their toughest challenge yet when they host the defending World Champions Houston Astros(7-3).