Mariners Noon Number: 27

It’s tough to win games when you aren’t hitting.

The Seattle Mariners are 1 for 27 with runners in scoring position in their first three games, all losses to the Houston Astros. Wednesday night’s 5-3 loss was particularly egregious.

In the top of the 13th, Astros reliever Jandel Gustave walked the bases loaded with no outs. He was relieved by Brad Peacock, who promptly walked the next batter to force in a run.

So if you’re keeping track, the Astros literally gave away a run and spotted the Mariners three chances to drive in more with the bases loaded.

Danny Valencia flied out to short center on a 1-1 pitch.

Mike Zunino struck out swinging.

Jarrod Dyson struck out swinging. On three pitches.

What was poised to be a big rally turned into a lone run, one that didn’t stand up with a rookie reliever in the bottom of the inning. The Mariners finished 0 for 13 with RISP on the evening.

The middle of the Mariners’ order – Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager – combined to go 1 for 13 with five walks and five strikeouts, stranding four. Valencia stranded six on his own and Zunino five.

The opportunities were there.