In a sizzling evening at Comerica Park, the Seattle Mariners prevailed against the Detroit Tigers with an 8-4 victory. The triumph improved the Mariners’ record to 2-1, placing them atop the AL West, while the Tigers fell to an even 3-3, still leading the AL Central. The game was played under a clear sky with a temperature soaring to 100 degrees, and a wind blowing out to right field at 5 mph.
The Mariners’ bats came alive in the third inning, posting two runs on the board, followed by another pair in the fourth. Jack Flaherty, the Tigers’ starting pitcher, struggled through 3.33 innings, conceding four runs, three of which were earned, on four hits and three walks. Flaherty’s performance left him with a 4.50 ERA to start the postseason.
Key Contributions from Mariners’ Offense
Seattle’s lineup was driven by the power of Cal Raleigh, who contributed with a home run and three RBIs. Eugenio Suárez and J.P. Crawford also homered, combining for three RBIs, aiding the Mariners in their offensive outburst. Randy Arozarena chipped in with two hits and an RBI, further boosting the Mariners’ lead.
The Mariners’ offense showcased its depth as multiple players contributed across the board. Crawford’s impressive .333 average and 1.030 OPS highlighted his key role in the lineup. Mariners’ manager Dan Wilson must be pleased with the balanced contributions from his hitters in this crucial postseason game.
Mariners’ Pitching Shines
On the mound, Logan Gilbert showcased his talents, pitching six solid innings while allowing just one run on four hits, striking out seven, and not giving up a single walk. This impressive outing earned Gilbert his first win of the postseason, as he lowered his ERA to an impressive 1.50. The Mariners’ bullpen held strong with Matt Brash, Eduardo Bazardo, and Andrés Muñoz each delivering scoreless innings in relief.
Brash, Bazardo, and Muñoz combined for three hitless innings, a testament to the Mariners’ pitching depth. The Mariners’ pitching staff collectively limited the Tigers to just seven hits throughout the game. This dominant performance from Seattle’s pitchers was crucial in securing the victory.
Tigers’ Late Rally Falls Short
The Tigers’ offense came alive in the ninth inning, rallying for three runs, but it was too little, too late. Spencer Torkelson doubled and drove in two runs, while Andy Ibáñez added another RBI to his record. Despite this late surge, the Tigers were unable to overcome the Mariners’ significant lead.
On the pitching side for Detroit, Brendan Hanifee struggled in his relief appearance, giving up two runs in just one inning of work. Jack Flaherty’s rough start set the tone for the evening, and though the Tigers’ bullpen showed some resilience, the damage had already been done. The Tigers will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for the upcoming rematch against the Mariners.
With this win, the Mariners head into the next game against the Tigers on a high note, confident from their well-rounded team performance. They will face the Tigers again at Comerica Park, looking to extend their lead in this postseason series. For the Tigers, Wednesday’s game represents a chance to bounce back and reclaim momentum at home.
