Tigers Sweep Mariners with Late Heroics from Báez

DETROIT (AP) — In a thrilling finish, Javier Báez propelled the Detroit Tigers to a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday, capping off a three-game sweep. Báez's two-run homer in the eighth inning proved decisive, as the Tigers managed to hold the Mariners to just one hit throughout the game. Manager A.J. Hinch expressed his satisfaction with the sweep, calling it “fun,” while the Mariners struggled offensively, scoring only four runs in the entire series. Seattle's pitching was strong, with starter Bryce Miller delivering seven scoreless innings and striking out nine batters. However, the Mariners' offense faltered once again, leading to frustration for manager Scott Servais. “This was like watching a rerun of a bad movie,” he lamented, emphasizing the need for his team to generate more runs to compete effectively in the league. The Mariners handed the ball to Yimi García in the eighth, but a critical mistake occurred when Andrés Muñoz, who had not allowed a hit in 12 consecutive outings, threw a slider that Báez capitalized on, sending it over the left-field fence. The Tigers' pitching staff, bolstered by Kenta Maeda's 5 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, showcased resilience despite having only two healthy starters available. As the Mariners prepare to fly to Pittsburgh for a three-game series against the Pirates, they will need to address their offensive struggles to turn their season around.