UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at T-Mobile Park, the Seattle Mariners rallied to defeat the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in Game 2 of the AL Division Series on October 8, 2023. This victory not only ties the series but also sets the stage for an electrifying Game 3.
With the game tied at 2-2 and one out in the bottom of the eighth, Mariners’ slugger Cal Raleigh ignited the crowd with a crucial double. Shortly after, Julio Rodriguez hit a tiebreaking RBI double, pushing Seattle ahead for good. The sellout crowd of 47,431 erupted as Rodriguez’s hit sealed the game.
Mariners’ closer Andres Munoz showcased his skills by retiring the Tigers in order, bouncing back after a grueling two-inning performance the previous night. This win was vital for Seattle, especially after their 3-2 loss in 11 innings on Saturday.
“We needed this one,” Rodriguez said post-game. “The energy from the crowd pushed us to dig deep and get the win.”
Jorge Polanco also shined in the spotlight, hitting two home runs that put the Mariners on the scoreboard first. His solo shot in the fourth inning over the left-center wall set the tone, and a second homer in the sixth solidified his place in postseason history, becoming the fourth Mariners player with a multi-homer game in the playoffs.
On the mound, Tigers’ pitcher Tarik Skubal demonstrated his prowess, striking out nine batters over seven innings. However, he could not contain the Mariners’ late-game surge. Seattle starter Luis Castillo also excelled, pitching 4 2/3 scoreless innings despite giving up his first hit in the fifth.
The tension escalated in the eighth inning when the Tigers momentarily tied the game. Gleyber Torres led off with a walk, followed by a misfielding error from Mariners’ first baseman Josh Naylor, allowing Riley Greene to reach safely. Spencer Torkelson then delivered a double, leveling the score at 2-2 before Seattle’s decisive comeback.
As the series shifts to Game 3, all eyes will be on Mariners’ righty Logan Gilbert, who faced the Tigers’ Jack Flaherty. Gilbert looks to build on his postseason experience from last year, while Flaherty aims to improve his 5.05 ERA in postseason play.
This victory is not just a game win; it symbolizes the Mariners’ determination and the electrifying atmosphere as they fight for postseason glory. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next game, hoping to see their team advance even further.
Stay tuned for updates as this thrilling series unfolds!
