Tigers 3, Mariners 2
The Detroit Tigers pull off the Game One win over the Seattle Mariners in 11 innings to take a 1-0 series lead. In a game where 13 combined relievers were used from both sides, the Tigers won after a go-ahead 11th-inning RBI hit.
Mariners – Tigers Game Summary
The scoring didn’t kick off until the bottom of the 4th inning. Julio Rodriguez smacked a fastball from Tigers starter Troy Melton, driving it to right-center field. The solo home run was the first Mariners postseason run scored since game two of the ALCS against the New York Yankees in 2001.
That’s all the Mariners would get on Melton, as the right-hander went four innings, while giving up two hits and a walk. The home run was his only run surrendered on the day. Melton performed solidly in his outing, especially after a shaky outing in game two of the AL Wildcard against the Cleveland Guardians. “Whatever they need from me, I’m ready to go for whatever they want,” Melton said in the pregame press conference.
The top of the 5th saw the clapback. Kerry Carpenter, who seemingly has Mariners start George Kirby’s number, crushed a high fastball for a no-doubt bomb. 409 feet later, the two-run home run gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead. With that blast, Carpenter is now 5-for-11 against Kirby, with all five hits being home runs.
Luckily for the Mariners, Rodriguez came through again. An RBI single in the bottom of the 6th drove in Randy Arozarena to tie the game at 2-2.
No more runs were scored until the 11th inning, which saw the absence of runners starting at second base. A single and a wild pitch saw Spencer Torkelson get to second base. Zach McKinstry became the hero, hitting a single to center field to take a 3-2 lead.
What Went Right for the Tigers
Bullpen Clutches Up
Rafael Montero wound up giving up the game-tying run to Rodriguez. However, everyone else who came out to pitch for the Tigers showed up. Especially Will Vest, who went inning for inning against Andres Munoz, and performed exceptionally.
What Went Wrong for the Tigers
Lineup’s First 10 Innings
The Tigers had multiple chances, specifically in the 2nd and 3rd innings, to get more run support. Unfortunately, the Carpenter blast was all they had to show for it.
What Went Right for the Mariners
J-Rod’s Breakout Game
Rodriguez had one heck of a game behind the plate, driving in two runs while going 2-for-4 at the plate. Despite an 8th-inning strikeout, Rodriguez played exactly like the franchise-changing talent the Mariners have been building around for several years.
What Went Wrong for the Mariners
Not Many Offensive Rallies
The Mariners had five 1-2-3 innings offensively before extra innings. In the 10th, they went down 1-2-3 after an electric second inning of work from closer Andres Munoz.
Bullpen’s Performance Wasted
The Mariners bullpen ranks 4th in the American League since the trade deadline. They played one of the AL’s top units today, allowing two baserunners in four innings after Kirby’s five innings. Overall, they used six arms out of the bullpen. This aligns with what Mariners manager Dan Wilson said in the pregame press conference about his overall confidence in his pitching staff. “We have trust in the starters and we have trust in our bullpen too, so it does make for — in some ways it’s a luxury to have those decisions. In some ways it makes it more difficult,” Wilson said.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will duel once again at T-Mobile Park on Sunday, with the first pitch being at 8:03 p.m. The Tigers will look to take home-field advantage back to Detroit, as Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal looks to secure a 2-0 series lead. The Mariners will send out Luis Castillo to take him on as they try to even up the series.
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