In a tightly contested Game 2 of the American League Division Series, the Detroit Tigers fell to the Seattle Mariners 3-2, evening out the series 1-1.
Detroit starter Tarik Skubal was dominant through seven innings–allowing two solo homers, striking out nine, and yielding five hits. Yet the Tigers’ offense never quite managed to sustain enough momentum against Seattle’s relievers. The Mariners, meanwhile, leaned on contributions from Jorge Polanco and Julio Rodríguez–each playing pivotal offensive roles–to power the win.
Polanco’s Two Homers, Rodríguez’s Clutch Double
What made the difference for Seattle was the surge from Polanco, who punished Skubal with two solo home runs (in the 4th and 6th) to stake the Mariners to a 2-0 lead. Polanco’s bat kept the Mariners in the game even when other parts of the lineup were quiet.
Detroit answered in the top of the 8th when Spencer Torkelson launched a two-run double to tie the game at 2-2. But Seattle’s comeback came swiftly: Rodríguez delivered the go-ahead double in the bottom of the 8th, scoring Cal Raleigh from second to reclaim a 3-2 lead.
In the 9th, All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz extinguished any thoughts of a late Detroit rally, sealing the win for Seattle.
“We definitely scuffled down the stretch,” Game 3 starter Jack Flaherty said, “but we’ve been playing what seems like playoff games for the last three weeks. Once you get in, at that point, it doesn’t matter. It just comes down to trying to win ballgames and remaining together.”
The Pitching Battle & Tactical Decisions
Skubal’s outing was dominant–seven strong innings, only two runs, and nine strikeouts. But he ran out of support. The Mariners’ bullpen maintained composure, especially in tight spots late in the game.
Seattle’s starter Luis Castillo, meanwhile, held Detroit in check for 4 2/3 innings before giving way. The game also featured a few key managerial decisions: Detroit’s failure to capitalize consistently in scoring position and Seattle’s decision-making on relievers and defensive alignment were under the microscope.
Some critics pointed to Detroit’s limited offensive options once Polanco and Rodríguez were locked in. Even after Torkelson’s 8th-inning heroics, they never broke through again.
The win also marked Seattle’s first home postseason victory since 2001, a drought that spanned more than two decades and underscored just how meaningful this October moment was for Mariners fans.
Implications for the Series Moving Forward
With the series now tied 1-1, the spotlight shifts to Games 3 and 4 in Detroit, where home-field dynamics may prove important. The Tigers must find another gear offensively and hope their bullpen can hold up under pressure.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been home, but at the same time, it’s been a bonding experience with these guys,” Flaherty said. “Long plane flights, lot of time in hotels, a couple dinners together. It’ll be nice to get back, but we will take it however we can.”
Momentum in playoff baseball is fragile–a single swing, a bullpen tilt, or a strategic misstep can tip the balance. Sunday’s win gives the Mariners renewed life in this best-of-five showdown. The Tigers will need to recalibrate fast if they want to retake the edge.
“I’m hoping for a good atmosphere and a good crowd,” Flaherty said. “Detroit shows up. You hear about it, so it’s something I’m looking forward to. I’ll feed off that energy.”
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