The Seattle Mariners put on a power display Thursday night, cruising to an 8-3 victory over the Houston Astros in a game that showcased both timely hitting and dominant pitching. Luke Raley set the tone early, launching a three-run home run in the first inning—his 10th of the season and third on this road trip—to give Seattle a lead they would never relinquish.

Mitch Garver, filling in at catcher for the injured Cal Raleigh, made his presence felt in the fourth inning with his first home run of the year, a solo shot that scored J.P. Crawford and extended the Mariners' lead to 5-1. The long ball has been a key weapon for Seattle this series, and Garver's contribution was a welcome sight for a team looking to get production from its entire lineup.

The Mariners kept the pressure on in the later innings. Cole Young added a one-run double in the sixth, and Crawford capped the scoring with a double in the eighth that brought Brice Matthews home. Seattle's offense showed depth and resilience, spreading the wealth across the lineup.

On the mound, Luis Castillo earned his first win of the season, pitching 5 2/3 innings while allowing three runs on four hits. He struck out six and walked four, showing flashes of the ace form that made him a key acquisition. Domingo Gonzalez closed things out with two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit.

For the Astros, Yordan Alvarez continued his torrid pace, hitting his 14th home run of the season in the third inning. Braden Shewmake also contributed with a two-run double in the sixth. However, the duo's combined 5-for-7 performance at the plate was a stark contrast to the rest of the Astros lineup, which went 0-for-25.

Mike Burrows took the loss for Houston, surrendering seven runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings. The Mariners' dominance in this rivalry is becoming a storyline, as they now hold a 7-1 record against the Astros this season.