Tigers Look to Even Series After Mariners Take Opener in Seattle

The Tigers dropped the series opener 4-2 last night at T-Mobile Park, and now they've got work to do if they want to salvage a split before heading home. Detroit's bats went quiet when it mattered, managing just two runs against Seattle's pitching staff, and that's becoming a troubling pattern on this West Coast swing.

Seattle's got momentum after yesterday's win, and they'll look to press that advantage with the home crowd behind them. The Mariners have been solid at home all season, and when their pitching holds opponents to two runs or fewer, they're money in the bank. Detroit needs to find some offensive life fast—leaving runners stranded won't cut it two nights in a row.

The Tigers' rotation will need to match zeroes early and give the lineup a chance to settle in. If Seattle gets ahead early again, this could turn into a long night for the visitors. Detroit's bullpen held up reasonably well yesterday, but you can't keep relying on your relievers to keep you close when the offense is asleep at the wheel.

This feels like a classic "respond or get buried" spot for the Tigers. Seattle smells blood, and unless Detroit shows up with some fight, they're flying home 0-2 and licking their wounds.