Astros 2, Mariners 1: Jonathan Villar delivered the tiebreaking single in the ninth inning and Collin McHugh allowed two hits in eight innings as visiting Houston downed Seattle.

Jon Singleton also drove in a run as the Astros won for the seventh time in nine games and handed the Mariners their second loss in eight games. Singleton drew a two-out walk in the ninth off Yoervis Medina (4-3) and moved around the bases on a wild pitch, Matt Dominguez’s infield single and Villar’s hard-hit ball past Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano.

McHugh (9-9) gave up one run, walked none and struck out four while winning his fifth consecutive decision and Josh Fields pitched a flawless ninth for his fourth save. The loss dropped Seattle a half-game behind either Detroit or Kansas City for the American League’s second wild card.

The Astros struck in the fourth when Singleton hit a drive off the top of the right-field fence that scored Jake Marisnick from first. The umpiring crew reviewed the play and determined it hit off the wall and not over it as Singleton was awarded a double and ruled to have advanced to third on the throw home.

Austin Jackson’s infield single to start the fourth was the lone hit allowed by McHugh over the first seven innings. With one out in the eighth, Logan Morrison sent a blast well into the right-field stands to tie the score at 1-1.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Mariners starter Roenis Elias gave up one run and six hits in six innings. … Houston 2B Jose Altuve, who leads the majors in batting average (.336), went hitless in four at-bats and is 0-for-7 in the series. … Seattle LF Dustin Ackley (ankle) sat out for the third straight game.