Mariners Sweep Tigers with 8-4 Victory, Extend Detroit's Losing Streak

The Seattle Mariners delivered a decisive 8-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, marking the end of a three-game series that saw the Tigers falter into a season-high four-game losing streak just before the All-Star break.

In a thrilling ninth inning, Jorge Polanco and Cole Young launched back-to-back home runs, contributing to a four-run surge that sealed the Mariners' sweep. This performance capped off a series where Seattle outscored the league-leading Tigers 35-14, with earlier wins of 12-3 and 15-7.

Julio Rodriguez, Randy Arozarena, and Mitch Garver also added solo home runs to the Mariners' tally, showcasing their offensive prowess. The 35 runs scored by Seattle in this series represent their highest total in a three-game stretch since 2002.

Polanco's homer broke a 4-all tie in the ninth, while Young's subsequent hit provided a two-run cushion. The Mariners continued to capitalize, adding two more runs to their final score.

Matt Brash (1-0) earned the win after striking out two batters in the eighth inning. Conversely, Tommy Kahnle (1-2) struggled in the ninth, allowing three runs on two hits and a walk without recording an out.

Detroit initially took the lead with two unearned runs in the first inning, capitalizing on an error by Luke Raley. They regained the lead in the seventh with Riley Greene's 24th home run of the season.

Cal Raleigh of Seattle went 0 for 2 but walked three times, bringing his total to an American League-record 38 home runs before the All-Star Game—just one shy of Barry Bonds' major league record set in 2001. Raleigh also stole a base, joining legends like Babe Ruth and Ken Griffey Jr. as players with at least 38 homers and 10 stolen bases within their team's first 96 games.

Polanco, who entered as a pinch-hitter in the ninth, launched a 401-foot homer to right field. Notably, Raleigh is the first catcher since Hall of Famer Johnny Bench in 1972 to lead the majors outright in home runs at the All-Star break.

The Tigers will send a franchise-record six All-Stars to Atlanta, including starting pitcher Tarik Skubal. Meanwhile, Seattle celebrates sending five All-Stars to the Midsummer Classic for the first time since 2003.