Tigers Strikeout Woes Continue as Mariners Even Series in Game 2
SEATTLE — Tigers vs Mariners ALDS Game 2 was what seems like the movie Groundhog Day — repetitively frustrating, and filled with missed chances for Detroit. Tarik Skubal did his job, but the bats once again went missing as Seattle pulled out a 3–2 win to even the series heading to Detroit.
Another Gem from Skubal Wasted
For six innings, Tarik Skubal was as sharp as he’s been all year — commanding the zone, changing speeds, and keeping the Mariners guessing. But two pitches to Jorge Polanco changed the night. Both were crushed to left field, both left the yard, and both reminded everyone how slim the Tigers’ margin for error is when their offense disappears.
Skubal exited after seven strong innings, allowing only those two solo shots and striking out seven. He deserved better. I thought manager A.J.Hinch might let him come out for the eighth, but at 97 pitches, Hinch was the Grinch, opting for Kyle Finnegan. Knowing that Skubal would have several days off, I think its reasonable to wonder if one more inning would have been the right call.
An Offense in Deep Freeze
Through six innings, the Tigers managed just one hit — a single through the right side — and never mounted a serious scoring threat. Luis Castillo went toe-to-toe with Skubal, limiting Detroit to one hit in 4.2 innings before handing things off to the bullpen.
The frustration is familiar. Detroit has now struck out 59 times in just five postseason games, an unsustainable trend that’s forcing their pitching staff to be nearly perfect every night. Watching this lineup lately feels like watching paint dry, but that might be be more entertaining on some nights. In this game, the Tigers hitters had 11 strikeouts, with some at-bats looking very non-competitive.
Parker Meadows continues to struggle, his at-bats bordering on automatic outs, and the heart of the order hasn’t delivered in run-scoring spots.
A Glimmer in the Seventh
Finally, in the top of the seventh, there was life. After a leadoff walk to Gleyber Torres, Kerry Carpenter struck out looking before Riley Greene reached on a fielder’s-choice error. That brought up Spencer Torkelson, who quickly fell behind 1-2.
The broadcast crew suggested he try to go the other way — and on cue, he laced a pitch down the right field line, scoring Torres as well as Greene, who scored from first. The game was now tied at 2–2. For a brief moment, it felt like Detroit had snatched momentum…and then they didn’t.
Then the Air Went Out
In the bottom of the eighth, reliever Kyle Finnegan, who was dominant in Game 1, couldn’t escape trouble. Two doubles in the inning — the last off the bat of Julio Rodríguez, scoring Cal Raleigh — flipped the score right back to Seattle.
When Andrés Muñoz entered in the ninth, there was no suspense. He retired Zach McKinstry, Javier Báez, and Parker Meadows in order to seal the win.
It was Seattle’s first home playoff victory since October 22, 2001, when they beat Cleveland in the ALDS at Safeco Field. For a franchise and city starved for October moments, the crowd roared like it was two decades ago.
Heading to Detroit
The series now shifts to Comerica Park tied 1–1, and the Tigers need a serious reset at the plate. You can’t expect to win playoff baseball striking out more than ten times a night. Detroit’s pitching has carried them this far, but that formula can’t last forever.
Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize are lined up for Games 3 and 4, respectively, and they’ll need help — not perfection — if the Tigers want to regain control.
Baseball’s a funny game. One night you’re on cloud nine, the next you’re clearing the dugout, feeling like you let one slip away. If Detroit doesn’t find a spark soon, this October run could fade as quickly as it started.
Final: Mariners 3, Tigers 2
Series: Tied 1–1
Next Up: Game 3 — Tuesday at Comerica Park (Flaherty vs Kirby)
