The Detroit Tigers emerged from Game 1 with a gutsy 3-2 extra-innings win over the Seattle Mariners a thrilling opener that immediately shifts pressure onto the home side. With momentum now on Detroit’s side, Game 2 looms as a pivotal moment: can the Tigers jump to a 2-0 series lead on the road?
Sunday’s matchup pits Detroit’s ace Tarik Skubal (13-6, 2.21 ERA) against Luis Castillo (11-8, 3.54 ERA) for Seattle. Skubal’s presence gives Detroit a clear edge on paper, but in the postseason, even proven pitchers must navigate heightened stakes and magnified pressure.
Broadcast, Odds & Series Context
Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, with first pitch at 8:03 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Fans can catch the game on FS1, or stream via Fubo.
Detroit’s win in Game 1 already rattles Seattle’s home crowd advantage. Game 2 becomes Seattle’s chance to quiet the momentum–or risk going down 0-2 before the series heads back to Detroit.
According to the CBS Sports lines:
These odds reflect market confidence in Skubal’s ability to keep Seattle in check. Of course, in playoff baseball, even favored starters must dodge surprises.
Skubal vs. Castillo & Offensive Disparities
Skubal is battle-tested in high-leverage situations and has carried that form into October. Facing him is Castillo–a veteran with upside, but one who has shown vulnerability to the long ball (he allowed 23 home runs in 32 starts, per CBS). If Detroit can get to Castillo early, they may force Seattle into uncomfortable bullpen decisions.
“I love it. I love the environment. It’s what you prepare for. It’s what you work for. It’s why you do the things you do in the offseason,” Skubal said. “It’s all for moments like this. To just go play baseball on the biggest stage [and] to go out and compete and win a championship. It’s why I do what I do. It’s all the motivation that I need.
“Winning is everything to me, so it’s a great opportunity to go out and compete and show that all the work you’ve put in is worth it for moments like this.”
Skubal Keeps It Real
Skubal isn’t just Detroit’s ace; he’s the heartbeat of a team that’s thriving on simplicity, focus, and a little bit of grit. But even the best pitcher in baseball faces down-to-earth problems–like running out of clean clothes.
After a long stretch of road trips that’s taken the Tigers from Cleveland to Boston, back to Cleveland, and now to Seattle, Skubal laughed when he admitted he’s hit a different kind of snag.
“I’ve already worn all the underwear once,” he said with a grin. “I had to take those in and have the clubbies do some stuff. I’m wearing the same shirt I wore in Cleveland already because I had to run it through and get it washed. That’s fun, though. Socks. Ran out of socks too.”
For Skubal, the story wasn’t a complaint; it was a reflection of how locked-in this Tigers team has become. Long travel, limited comforts, and endless routines are part of the postseason grind, but there’s no sense of fatigue.
“I don’t think anyone’s complaining about being on the road for however many days it’s going to be,” he added.
Prediction & Strategic Play
Backing Detroit seems grounded in logic. Skubal gives them a hedge–a dependable arm to counter Seattle’s offense. With momentum already in their favor, it’s not a stretch to expect Detroit to take Game 2 and seize full control of the series.
Expect a low-scoring affair, where bullpen depth and situational hitting decide the outcome. If Detroit scratches out a run or two, they can lean on their relievers to finish the mission.
Prediction: Tigers win Game 2 in Seattle, pushing the Mariners into a deep hole before the series shifts.
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