Mariners’ spirited start ends in G1 heartbreak

HOUSTON — In the most brutally cruel way, the Mariners received the sourest taste of their own medicine in a walk-off, 8-7 loss to the Astros in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park.

Robbie Ray, in his first career save opportunity, surrendered a massive, three-run walk-off homer to Yordan Alvarez that spoiled what was shaping up to be a statement win on the road. Ray was brought in to replace Paul Sewald, who hit No. 9 hitter David Hensley with a pitch, then surrendered a two-out single to Jeremy Peña that set up the big blast.

One inning earlier, Andrés Muñoz surrendered a two-run homer to Alex Bregman that allowed the Astros to inch within two runs.

In the history of best-of-five postseason series, Game 1 winners have gone on to win the series 102 of 144 times (71%). In Division Series with the current 2-2-1 format, teams winning Game 1 at their home ballparks have advanced 34 of 47 times (72%).