SEATTLE, WA — The Tigers opened the American League Championship Series with an emphatic statement, pounding out 17 hits in a 7-2 victory over the Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
Detroit turned to Framber Valdez after a strong Division Series finish, and the veteran left-hander delivered. Valdez worked five innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out eight to earn his first win of the postseason.
Seattle struck first in the second inning when Dominic Canzone ripped an RBI double to center, scoring Josh Naylorfrom first for a 1-0 lead. But Valdez settled in and largely kept the Mariners quiet. The only other run he allowed came in the fifth when Canzone connected for a solo homer to right.
Meanwhile, Detroit’s offense steadily wore down Mariners ace Bryan Woo. The Tigers tied the game in the third on an RBI single by Riley Greene, then took the lead in the fourth when Parker Meadows drove in a run.
The game turned decisively in the fifth. Detroit scored three times in the inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Colt Keith, to open a 5-1 advantage.
The Tigers continued to add on late. Kerry Carpenter launched a 421-foot homer to center in the seventh, and Spenser Torkelson later drove home Greene with a ground-ball single to cap the scoring.
After Valdez departed, Brant Hurter tossed a scoreless sixth before Justin Verlander slammed the door. The veteran right-hander worked the final three innings, allowing just one hit while striking out five to earn the save.
Injury Report
The Mariners suffered a potential setback when shortstop J.P. Crawford exited early with an abdominal strain suffered while making a throw to first base. He is expected to miss between one and six days. Crawford entered the game batting .250 this postseason with two home runs, two stolen bases, and six RBI.
