The Mariners squeaked by the Blue Jays with a historic comeback in the wild card round, but things aren't getting any easier for Scott Servais' crew.
The Mariners will now face the No. 1 team in the American League, the Astros, who dominated them in the regular season. The Astros won the season series 12-7, including six of their last seven meetings. This series features two of the best defensive teams in MLB, with the Astros sitting at third in defensive efficiency at .719 and the Mariners (a rather distant) fourth at .710.
This series also features two outstanding bullpens. The Astros had the best bullpen in baseball by ERA in 2022, posting a mark of 2.80. The Mariners, meanwhile, were sixth at 3.33 and have fielded one of the most dominant relievers in the sport with Andrés Muñoz regularly hitting 102 mph with his ridiculous fastball.
In the field, this series features two of the eminent AL rookies. There is presumed Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez for the Mariners and shortstop Jeremy Peña for the Astros.
MORE: Watch Mariners vs. Astros on Sling TV
Justin Verlander heads up the Astros pitching staff, while Luis Castillo won't be available until Game 2 for the Mariners after throwing 108 pitches in the AL Wild Card opener. That means Game 1 will likely be turned over to Logan Gilbert, who had an outstanding September with a 2.00 ERA after struggling for much of the second half of the season.
Other players to watch include perennial slugger Jose Altuve, slugger Yordan Alvarez, the consistently unsung Kyle Tucker, and trade deadline acquisition Trey Mancini for the Astros. For the Mariners, Cal Raleigh is becoming a playoff folk hero, Ty France had another above-average year at the plate, and Eugenio Suárez is the gift that keeps on giving in the trade that also landed the Mariners Jesse Winker.
Here's what to know about Mariners vs. Astros in the ALDS:
Mariners vs. Astros schedule
- Game: Game 3
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 15
- First pitch: 4:07 p.m. ET
The Mariners and Astros are playing a best-of-five series in which Houston has home-field advantage. The first two games were played in Houston, and the next two (presuming Game 4 is necessary) will be in Seattle. If they go 2-2 through four, Game 5 will be at Minute Maid Park.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Channel | Result |
| Tuesday, Oct. 11 | Game 1: Mariners at Astros | 3:37 p.m. | TBS | HOU 8, SEA 7 (HOU 1-0) |
| Thursday, Oct. 13 | Game 2: Mariners at Astros | 3:37 p.m. | TBS | HOU 4, SEA 2 (HOU 2-0) |
| Saturday, Oct. 15 | Game 3: Astros at Mariners | 4:07 p.m. | TBS | HOU 1, SEA 0, 18 innings (HOU 3-0) |
* - If necessary
How to watch 2022 MLB playoff games
- TV channel: TBS (U.S.) | Sportsnet (Canada)
- Live stream: Sling TV (U.S.) | Sportsnet NOW (Canada)
The American League side of the postseason will be broadcast on TBS, meaning both ALDS series can be seen on the Turner subsidiary.
MORE: How to watch the Yankees vs. Guardians ALDS
Mariners vs. Astros live streams
- Live stream: Sling TV (U.S.) | Sportsnet NOW (Canada)
For those who want to live stream the ALDS — whether it's Yankees vs. Guardians or Mariners vs. Astros — Sling TV carries TBS, the exclusive broadcaster of this year's American League series.
Right now, get half off your first month of Sling TV, plus SHOWTIME, STARZ, AND EPIX -- first month on us! SIGN UP FOR SLING!
Sportsnet NOW will stream ALDS games in Canada.
Mariners vs. Astros odds
As of Oct. 10, Caesars Sportsbook is giving the Astros -220 odds and the Mariners +180.
Updated odds can be found on Caesars Sportsbook.
Mariners vs. Astros tickets
Those interested in going to see the ALDS at Minute Maid Park or T-Mobile Park can find tickets through TicketSmarter.
If the price jump from Game 2 to Game 3 surprises you, don't let it. Remember, Game 3 will be the first playoff baseball in Seattle since 2001. Suffice it to say the city is excited. For the Astros, it's just another ALDS. The average cost of a ticket will be around $380, with Game 3 severely impacting that number with an average cost of a whopping $708. The most expensive ticket in the series is $6,232.
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