In a pivotal night at Comerica Park, the Seattle Mariners took control of the American League Division Series (ALDS) by defeating the Detroit Tigers 8-4 in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead. Behind Cal Raleigh’s powerful bat and Logan Gilbert’s composed starting performance, Seattle is now one win away from reaching the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Gilbert Keeps Tigers in Check
The story of the night began on the mound in Seattle. Logan Gilbert delivered an outstanding performance, pitching six innings, allowing only one run on four hits, striking out seven. After enduring a nearly three-hour rain delay before the first pitch, Gilbert settled in and attacked the strike zone with his splitter and slider, keeping the Tigers off balance.
Detroit’s starter, Jack Flaherty, had less luck. He was removed after just 3 ⅓ innings, giving up four runs (three earned), four hits, three walks, and six strikeouts. The disparity in starting pitching swung the game early in Seattle’s favor.
Raleigh’s Big Night & Explosive Offense
Seattle’s offense was balanced and timely. Cal Raleigh had a multi-RBI night, hitting an RBI single earlier in the game and a two-run homer in the eighth to extend the lead to 8-1. On the home run, a Mariners fan wearing a “Dump 61 Here” shirt caught the ball in memorable fashion before surprising everyone with a new shirt: “Dump 62 Here.”
Seattle relied on more than just Raleigh. Eugenio Suárez and J.P. Crawford also hit solo home runs, increasing the run total. The Mariners also scored runs thanks to Detroit’s mistakes on defense. Victor Robles doubled in the third inning and scored on Riley Greene’s throwing error, which caromed past catcher Dillon Dingler.
Seattle’s offense kept putting pressure on: Raleigh’s RBI single in the fourth extended the lead, and Crawford hit a solo shot in the sixth. In the eighth, a dropped fly by Tigers’ Kerry Carpenter allowed Robles to advance, and Crawford’s sac fly scored Luke Raley, making it 6-1 before Raleigh’s home run sealed Seattle’s victory.
Tigers Rally Too Late
Detroit nearly threatened in the ninth. Pinch-hitters Josh Rogers and Jahmai Jones reached base. Spencer Torkelson belted a two-run double, and Andy Ibáñez followed with an RBI single to make it 8–4. But with the tying run at the plate, the Mariners turned to closer Andrés Muñoz, who induced a fly out and a rare unassisted double play to end the game and preserve the win.
What This Means & What’s Next
Seattle’s victory puts the Tigers on the verge of elimination; they must win Game 4 back in Detroit to stay alive in the series. If Seattle wins, they will advance to the ALCS for the first time in nearly 25 years.
Seattle’s Bryce Miller will likely start Game 4 against Detroit’s Casey Mize. Meanwhile, the Tigers will need a strong comeback from their bullpen and offense to force Game 5.
The victory also reinforces the narrative that Seattle’s depth, timely hitting, and pitching consistency are propelling them to new heights this October. Raleigh demonstrated his power and clutch ability, Gilbert justified his postseason confidence, and the bullpen closed the door when necessary.
As the series returns to Detroit, all eyes will be on Seattle to see if they can finish the job — and on the Tigers to see if they can avoid elimination and force another decider in Seattle.