Detroit — Didn’t take long for the playoff-contending team to distinguish itself from the team playing out the string.
The Seattle Mariners, who entered the game Tuesday a half-game out of a wild card spot, scored six times in the third inning and cruised to a 9-3 win over the Tigers before a sparse gathering (announced 12,536) at Comerica Park.
Tigers right-hander Matt Manning, coming off two impressive starts, got an early shower in this one, lasting 2u2153 innings. Seven runs were charged to his tab.
His slider, which has been a difference-maker for him since coming off the injured list, was either poorly executed on this night or well-scouted by the Mariners.