Tensions ran high between the Astros and Mariners in a heated matchup featuring wild pitching, flared tempers, and a bizarre late-game play. Early on, a Mariners batter squared to bunt and narrowly avoided taking a pitch to the face, rattling both teams. Not long after, Astros hitter Zack Short was hit by a sinker from Mariners pitcher Vargas, which sparked visible frustration from Houston’s dugout. Dubón especially wasn’t happy, and an exchange of gestures and harsh words followed between benches. Umpires issued warnings to both teams to calm things down.
In the eighth, Astros reliever Abreu hit Solano with another inside fastball, raising more questions about intent. Mariners players and coaches were visibly upset, especially with prior warnings in play. But umpires ruled it was unintentional and let it go. Confusion hit again in the ninth. With the game on the line, a check swing resulted in a ball that was ruled in play after it glanced off the knob of the bat and allowed the tying run to score. The Astros challenged, thinking it was a hit-by-pitch, but the call stood after review. Hader, closing for Houston, bobbled the ball trying to make a play at home, giving the Mariners the tie.
Despite the chaos, Hader steadied himself in the 10th and got a big strikeout to push it to the 11th. The game delivered a full mix of missed spots, dugout drama, and late-inning weirdness, keeping both teams on edge throughout.