Seattle Mariners One Win Away from Historic ALCS Berth After Defeating Detroit Tigers

The Seattle Mariners are closing in on history. After years of hearing that they are the only Major League Baseball team never to reach the World Series, the Mariners are now just one win away from breaking a 24-year drought. Their 8-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 3 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) on Tuesday night has pushed them to a 2-1 lead — and within striking distance of the AL Championship Series.

A Statement Win in Detroit

Seattle’s Game 3 win wasn’t just another postseason victory — it was a statement of how far the team has come. After a rain delay that stretched nearly three hours, the Mariners came out firing, jumping to an 8-1 lead and never looking back.

“Huge game, a lot of momentum,” said starting pitcher Logan Gilbert. “I’ve been saying it for a while — this is the most complete team I’ve been on and seen.”

Gilbert’s performance matched his words. The right-hander threw seven strong innings, striking out seven and limiting Detroit’s offense. His confidence and command set the tone for a game that showcased Seattle’s depth and discipline.

Power and Precision: Mariners Show Complete Team Strength

From top to bottom, the Mariners lineup delivered. The team’s success wasn’t built on one star — it was a full-squad effort that defined the word teamwork.

Catcher Cal Raleigh, a front-runner for AL MVP, smashed his second career postseason home run. His power bat has been one of Seattle’s biggest assets all season, and he continued to shine when it mattered most.

Shortstop J.P. Crawford was flawless in the nine-hole, going perfect at the plate and adding a solo home run of his own. Meanwhile, midseason trade acquisition Eugenio Suárez blasted another long ball, proving why Seattle brought him in as part of their July roster boost.

“We’ve been battling all along getting to this point,” Suárez said. “Being one step closer to going to the championship, we’re not done yet. We have to keep playing like this.”

Balanced Offense and Smart Baserunning

Seattle’s victory wasn’t only about power hitting. The team went 4-for-9 with runners in scoring position and scored twice in the third inning through smart, aggressive baserunning — a hallmark of their 2025 identity.

“From one through nine, guys had good at-bats,” Raleigh said. “That’s kind of what we’re preaching.”

Even when Detroit mounted a late rally in the ninth inning, scoring three runs to make it 8-4, Seattle’s defense stood tall. A game-ending double play sealed the win and put the Mariners just one game away from advancing to their first ALCS since 2001.

“That’s the team that we are,” said Crawford. “We create chaos, and we keep the line moving.”

Midseason Additions Changed Everything

At the start of the season, many analysts praised Seattle’s rotation and young stars like Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh but worried about their offensive consistency. Injuries to George Kirby and Logan Gilbert further complicated things.

However, July brought a turning point. As key pitchers regained health, the Mariners’ front office made crucial trades for Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor, two experienced bats that added depth and balance to the lineup.

That midseason transformation is now paying off in October. The Mariners are no longer just a strong pitching team — they are a complete and dangerous contender.

Mariners Eye History

With the series now at 2-1, Seattle stands one win away from an AL Championship Series berth — something they haven’t achieved in 24 years. The city of Seattle, known for its loyal and patient fan base, can sense that history might finally be on their side.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Raleigh. “We’ve got a tough road ahead, but we’re ready. We can’t take a game off.”

Seattle will send Bryce Miller to the mound for Game 4 on Wednesday, while the Tigers will counter with Casey Mize. Despite trailing in the series, Detroit showed fight in Game 3, forcing Mariners manager Dan Wilson to bring in closer Andrés Muñoz to secure the final outs.

“We’ve earned our way here,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “Our guys will be ready to fight again tomorrow.”

A Team Built to Win

What makes this Mariners run so special isn’t just the potential to reach the ALCS — it’s how they’ve done it. Every player has stepped up. Every part of the roster has contributed.

From dominant starting pitching and clutch hitting to aggressive baserunning and solid defense, Seattle has proven it belongs among baseball’s elite. The chemistry is real, and the results speak for themselves.

“This is the team we’ve always wanted to build — balanced, fearless, and united,” said Wilson. “Everyone believes in each other.”

One Step Away from Erasing the Past

For years, the Seattle Mariners have carried the label of the only MLB team to never appear in the World Series. That label might soon be gone. A win on Wednesday would send them to the American League Championship Series — the closest they’ve been since 2001, when a team led by Ichiro Suzuki captured the hearts of fans but fell short of the ultimate prize.

Now, a new generation is writing its own story. With Raleigh’s power, Gilbert’s dominance, Crawford’s leadership, and a rejuvenated roster, Seattle is on the brink of making history.

If they can finish the job in Detroit, the Mariners will move one step closer to ending decades of frustration — and possibly, finally, punching their first-ever ticket to the World Series.

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