Behind HRs from Raleigh and Suarez, Mariners Take Lead in AL Division Series

 Cal Raleigh hit a two-run homer, Eugenio Suarez and J.P. Crawford had solo shots and the Seattle Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers 8-4 on Tuesday night to take a 2-1 lead in the AL Division Series.

The Mariners are within a win of their first AL Championship Series since 2001. Their first chance to advance is on Wednesday afternoon in Game 4 at Comerica Park and if necessary, another opportunity awaits on Friday back in Seattle for a decisive Game 5.

Seattle’s Logan Gilbert gave up one run on four hits while striking out seven and walking none over six innings.

Raleigh, who had a major league-high 60 homers during the regular season, hit a 391-foot, two-run homer to left-center in the ninth to make it 8-1.

The offensively challenged Tigers were limited to four hits and one run through eight innings before suddenly generating some offense in the ninth against Caleb Ferguson, who allowed three runs on three hits and a walk without getting an out.

Spencer Torkelson hit a two-run double and Andy Ibanez followed with an RBI single.

All-Star closer Andres Munoz entered with one on and no outs and ended Detroit's comeback hopes with a flyout and game-ending double play.

Detroit's Jack Flaherty lasted just 3 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks.

Seattle scored two runs in the third after starting the inning with three hits and a walk.

Victor Robles led off with a double and scored on an error, which was credited to left fielder Riley Greene for an errant throw that could have been fielded on a bounce by catcher Dillon Dingler. Randy Arozarena's RBI single put the Mariners ahead 2-0.

Suarez sent a 422-foot shot to left in the fourth to make it 3-0. Raleigh's two-out RBI single in the inning