Tigers Face Elimination After Frustrating Game 3 Loss to Mariners

In a critical Game 3 of the American League Division Series, the Detroit Tigers suffered a disappointing 8-4 defeat against the Seattle Mariners on October 10, 2023. This loss puts the Tigers in a precarious position, trailing the series two games to one. The game was marked by errors and missed opportunities, leaving the team on the brink of elimination.

The turning point came in the third inning when Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler mishandled a throw that allowed Mariners runner Victor Robles to score. After fielding a hit from Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford, outfielder Riley Greene made a strong throw to the infield, but it was low and skipped past cutoff man Zach McKinstry. Dingler was in position to receive the throw, but the ball deflected off his glove and rolled behind home plate, allowing Robles to score.

“It was just a breakdown all the way around,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “Everything that could go wrong on that play did go wrong.” Following the error, Crawford advanced to second base and later scored on a single from Randy Arozarena, giving the Mariners a 2-0 lead.

Dingler accepted responsibility for the mishap, stating, “I blame myself. Obviously, (the ball) can’t go past me in that situation.” The play was indicative of the larger issues the Tigers faced throughout the game, including a lack of offensive production against Mariners starter Logan Gilbert.

The Tigers’ pitching also faltered, particularly during the third inning when Jack Flaherty allowed a crucial double to Robles after hanging an 0-2 curveball. This season, Flaherty has struggled with executing pitches in two-strike counts, allowing opposing hitters to capitalize. “I’d like to have that one back,” Flaherty remarked about the pitch to Robles.

As the game progressed, the Tigers’ troubles continued. In the eighth inning, right fielder Kerry Carpenter misplayed a fly ball, allowing another run to score. “I kind of misplayed it a little bit,” Carpenter admitted. “It was just unfortunate, and I’ll be better.”

Despite their struggles, the Tigers attempted to mount a comeback in the ninth inning, trailing 8-1. They managed to score three runs, but the effort fell short as Seattle brought in closer Andrés Muñoz to secure the victory. The Tigers’ offensive woes were evident, as they failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities, taking pitches down the middle or chasing balls outside the strike zone.

“Our guys are really talented,” Hinch said. “Those who win the strike zone usually win the competition.” This sentiment was echoed in the first inning when Greene struck out after watching a slider down the middle before chasing two pitches outside the zone.

With Game 4 looming, the Tigers face a daunting task. A loss would mean the end of their season, particularly given their recent struggles at home, where they have lost their last eight games at Comerica Park. Dingler summed up the urgency of the situation, stating, “It can’t happen tomorrow.” The Tigers must regroup quickly to avoid being eliminated from the postseason.