M’s crushed

SEATTLE – Jonathan Villar homered on the first pitch of the game and the Houston Astros coasted to a 13-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.

Villar connected off Joe Saunders (11-14), sending a drive well over the left-field fence for his first career homer.

The Astros scored six times in the first three innings to chase Saunders. The left-hander allowed seven hits and a walk. He has lost six of his last eight decisions.

Chris Carter and Jose Altuve each had three of the Astros’ 17 hits. Houston’s 10 extra-base hits were a season high, eclipsing the previous mark of nine — also set against the Mariners.

Altuve and rookie L.J. Hoes both had three RBIs. The total was a career high for Hoes, who entered with five RBIs in his 38-game career.

Meanwhile, starter Jordan Lyles (7-7) held Seattle in check through six innings. Lyles gave up two runs – one earned – and three hits while striking out five.

Franklin Gutierrez had a pair of RBI singles for the Mariners.