May 22, 2024 - Babe Ruth hits 3 HRs in series vs Mariners
5/22/2024by Skip Reminington
The Babe hits 1 of this 3 HRs in series
The Babe hits 1 of this 3 HRs in series

Boston Globe – May 23, 2024
Mariners Salvage Finale After Tigers Take First Two at Comerica

By Skip Remington, Globe Staff Writer

 

DETROIT —
The Seattle Mariners avoided a sweep in Detroit this week by claiming a gritty 4–1 win in the series finale, thanks to timely hitting and clutch relief. The Detroit Tigers had dominated the first two games behind Babe Ruth’s hot bat and strong performances from Jimmy Key and Vinegar Bend Mizell, but Seattle rebounded just in time to cool down the Tigers and head home on a high note.

Game 1 – Tigers 10, Mariners 4

Monday, May 20, 2024
Comerica Park

Detroit flexed its offensive muscle in the opener, piling up 10 runs on 14 hits, led by a jaw-dropping performance from outfielder Babe Ruth who went 3-for-4 with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs. The Mariners jumped out to a 2–0 lead in the first inning, but it didn’t last.

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

  • T1: Seattle strikes first on RBI hits by Jimmie Foxx and Carl Furillo.

  • B1: Detroit ties it with singles by Yaz and Ruth.

  • B2: Tigers hang six—highlighted by Ruth’s three-run blast.

  • B4: Ruth homers again, bringing his RBI total to 6.

  • T9: Gene Tenace hits a solo HR for cosmetic runs.

Player of the Game: Babe Ruth – 3-for-4, 2 HR, 6 RBI
Pitching Note: Jimmy Key throws a complete game with 5 strikeouts.

Game 2 – Tigers 3, Mariners 1

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Comerica Park

Detroit again took control early with a two-run shot from Carl Yastrzemski in the first. Vinegar Bend Mizell threw six steady innings, allowing just one earned run. Ruth added a solo shot in the 8th to pad the lead. Seattle had baserunners but couldn't capitalize, grounding into three double plays.

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

  • B1: Yaz homers to give Detroit a 2–0 lead.

  • T3: Hank Thompson answers with a solo homer.

  • B8: Ruth tacks on insurance with a solo blast.

  • T9: Seattle strands runners as Haines slams the door.

Player of the Game: Vinegar Bend Mizell – 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER
Defensive Highlight: Detroit turns three DPs to escape jams.

Game 3 – Mariners 4, Tigers 0

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Comerica Park

Seattle avoided the broom with a composed 4–1 victory, snapping Detroit’s early-season streak. Carl Furillo came through with a pair of RBIs, and Gene Tenace delivered a sac fly in the 9th to provide breathing room. 

Inning-by-Inning Summary:

  • T4: Randolph scores on Yaz single (DET leads 1–0).

  • T6: Mariners tie it with Furillo’s RBI knock.

  • T8: Furillo strikes again, giving Seattle the lead.

  • T9: Seattle adds two insurance runs via Tenace sac fly and passed ball.

Player of the Game: Carl Furillo – 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Pitching Note: Doc White and Hoyt Wilhelm allowed just 7 hits as they shut out the Tigers.

Series MVP – Babe Ruth (Tigers)

Even with the Tigers dropping the finale, Ruth’s impact was unmistakable: .455 average (5-for-11), 3 HR, 7 RBI. His Game 1 performance single-handedly buried Seattle, and his Game 2 homer put the game out of reach.

“He’s locked in right now,” said Tigers manager A. J. Hinch. “You can see it the moment he steps in the box—he’s not missing pitches.”

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