The Seattle Mariners put up their best fight against the Detroit Tigers at Safeco Field on Tuesday night, but a big second inning for the visitors proved to be the M's undoing as their last-gasp rally fell short and they lost by a final score of 6-4.
The Mariners were facing an uphill battle right away as they went up against Detroit ace Justin Verlander. The Tigers got on the board in the top of the first inning as starter Kevin Millwood have up a leadoff double to Austin Jackson, who was promptly singled home by Andy Dirks.
In the top of the second inning, the Tigers plated four more runs on two-RBI doubles by Dirks and Delmon Young. The Mariners cut the Detroit lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the third as they touched Verlander with an RBI single by Ichiro Suzuki and a two-RBI single by Kyle Seager.
Prince Fielder homered to lead off the top of the seventh inning for an important insurance run, but the M's kept pace in the bottom of the frame with a Brendan Ryan RBI single.
The score remained 6-4 into the bottom of the ninth inning as closer Jose Valverde came in for the Tigers. Valverde walked Mike Carp and Michael Saunders to lead off the inning, then struck out Dustin Ackley swinging. Ryan grounded into what should have been a game-ending double play, but Fielder missed the catch at first to keep Seattle's hopes alive. Valverde intentionally walked Suzuki to load the bases and opted to pitch to Jesus Montero.
Montero battled, but hit a fly ball in foul territory along the right-field line. Don Kelly made a spectacular catch, tumbling into the front row of seats but holding onto the ball to end the game. The win was the Tigers' first against the Mariners this season in five games.
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