More aggressive Cano driving first-place Mariners

HOUSTON — The Mariners are doing a lot of things right these days, as evidenced by 15 wins in their last 20 games and a surprising 2 1/2-game lead over the Rangers in the early American League West race. Good pitching, timely hitting … and a whole lot of production from Robinson Cano.

The Mariners’ second baseman continued his outstanding start with a four-RBI night in Thursday’s 6-3 win over the Astros, including the game-winning three-run double in the top of the ninth to hike his American League total to 30 RBIs in his first 28 games.

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It took Cano 83 games last year — and 86 by the team — before he reached the 30-RBI plateau on July 9. So, yeah, things are different this year. And one reason, says the six-time All-Star, is he’s being more aggressive at the plate and jumping on pitches early in counts, as he did with a 1-0 cutter from Luke Gregerson to break open a tie game in the ninth with his third hit of the night.

“My problem last year in the beginning of the season, and sometimes in the second half, too, I was taking the first pitch right down the middle,” Cano said. “This year, I said I’m going to be ready from the first pitch, because I know when you get behind, it’s hard and then you have to swing at the …

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