(Seattle, WA)  --  If the Mariners want any chance at making up ground in the AL West, now is the time.  Seattle opens a four-game series against the Astros in Houston tonight.  The 'Stros lead the division with a 73-and-42 record.  They're five games ahead of the A's and eight in front of the M's.  James Paxton takes the ball for Seattle.  The Astros counters with Justin Verlander.