Detroit – Deflating.
A gritty pitching performance by Justin Verlander went for naught Thursday, as the Mariners scratched out a run in the top of the ninth inning to beat the Tigers 2-1 and take the three-game series.
Francisco Rodriguez, after striking out Nelson Cruz on three pitches to start the ninth, gave up a double to Kyle Seager and an RBI single to Ben Gamel.
The Tigers, who mustered four hits in the game, went quietly in the ninth against Mariners closer Edwin Diaz.
Before that, though, this game was in the stewardship of a pair of savvy, veteran right-handers.