Carlos Correa had three hits off Paxton, including two infield singles, but the Astros never pushed a runner past second against the hard-throwing 28-year-old.

Nelson Cruz snapped out of an early-season slump with a two-run, bases-loaded single off Astros starter Charlie Morton in the fifth, and Kyle Seager followed with a sacrifice fly to spot Paxton a 3-0 lead. Cruz was 2-for-26 on the season until he singled in his final three at-bats.

Morton gave up seven hits and three runs over five innings before being lifted after 89 pitches. He’s 0-1 with a 4.09 ERA in two starts, both against Seattle.

The Astros dropped their first road game of the season, evening their record at 4-4, while Seattle bounced back from a difficult opening road trip to improve to 2-6.