The Mariners are on the brink of their first trip to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2001 after an 8 – 4 win over the Tigers. Cal Raleigh capped off the big night with a 2 run home run blast in the 9th after having a league-leading 60 home runs. Seattle has a 2-1 lead in the series and is one win away from the Championship.
Cal Raleigh wasn’t the only person with a home run; Suarez and Crawford had solo home runs early in the game, while Arozarena drove in some runs early to give the Mariners a comfortable lead. Seattle’s starter Gilbert was pitching well and made it through six innings, allowing only one run and four hits. Gilbert had seven strikeouts and no walks in his outing, while Tigers starter Flaherty earned a loss for Detroit after giving up four runs, 3 earned runs, in just 3 and one-third innings.
Detroit’s offense couldn’t get started most of the night, only managing four hits and one run through the first eight innings. The Tigers rallied for three runs in the ninth inning off of Mariners reliever Caleb Ferguson, Torkleson highlighted it with a two-run double and an RBI single from Ibanez. This forced the Mariners to put in All-Star closer Munoz to close the game and caused a game-ending double play.
The Mariners will have their chance to clinch a spot for the first time in the ALCS since 2001 at Comerica on Wednesday 10/8. Seattle’s Bryce Miller will be set to face off against Detroit’s Casey Mize. The Tigers are fighting to stay alive and need to get hot to keep their playoff and World Series hopes alive.
