UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners are just one win away from their first AL Championship Series appearance in 24 years after defeating the Detroit Tigers 8-4 on Tuesday night. Cal Raleigh powered the Mariners with a two-run homer, while Eugenio Suarez and J.P. Crawford contributed solo shots, propelling Seattle to a commanding 2-1 lead in the AL Division Series.
This pivotal victory puts the Mariners in a strong position to advance, with their first chance to clinch the series occurring tomorrow afternoon in Game 4 at Comerica Park. If necessary, a decisive Game 5 will take place back in Seattle on Friday.
“The Seattle Mariners deserve where we’re at right now,”
said Eugenio Suarez, highlighting the team’s confidence as they close in on a historic playoff run.
Mariners’ pitcher Logan Gilbert delivered a stellar performance, allowing just one run on four hits over six innings, striking out seven without issuing any walks. Mariners manager Dan Wilson praised Gilbert’s outing, stating,
“Can’t say enough about what Logan did. Just an incredible outing. He had everything going.”
The Mariners jumped to an early lead, scoring two runs in the third inning after a series of hits and an error by Tigers’ left fielder Riley Greene. Victor Robles led off with a double, and a subsequent error allowed him to score. Randy Arozarena added to the scoring with an RBI single, pushing Seattle ahead 2-0.
In the fourth inning, Suarez unleashed a 422-foot homer to extend the lead to 3-0, followed by Raleigh’s two-out RBI single, which increased the Mariners’ cushion to 4-0.
Detroit, aiming to bounce back at home, managed to score their first run in the fifth inning, but their offensive struggles continued. The Tigers recorded just four hits through the eighth inning, with their only significant rally occurring in the ninth, where they scored three runs against Mariners’ reliever Caleb Ferguson before All-Star closer Andres Munoz shut down the comeback attempt.
The Mariners’ offense was relentless, with Crawford’s homer in the sixth restoring the team’s four-run lead. Seattle’s ability to capitalize on Detroit’s defensive errors allowed them to score unearned runs, contributing to the Tigers’ woes.
Detroit’s manager, A.J. Hinch, remains optimistic despite the setback. He commented,
“We’ve had to play more and more back-against-the-wall-type games. I know our guys are going to be ready.”
As the teams prepare for Game 4, all eyes will be on starting pitchers Casey Mize for Detroit and Bryce Miller for Seattle. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the Mariners aim to secure their place in the AL Championship Series and end a two-decade-long drought.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Mariners look to make history tomorrow!