Javier Báez blast in 8th gives Detroit Tigers 2-1 win, sweep of Seattle Mariners

One swing from an unlikely hero changed the game.

Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Báez, one of the worst hitters in baseball this season, hit a go-ahead, two-run home run with one strike and two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning off Seattle Mariners right-handed reliever Andrés Muñoz.

The Tigers beat the Mariners, 2-1, in Thursday’s finale of three games at Comerica Park, sweeping the series.

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Before Báez’s home run, the Tigers (59-63) were shut down by Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller, who lowered his ERA to 3.29 in 24 starts. Miller completed seven scoreless innings on two hits and zero walks with nine strikeouts, throwing 90 pitches.

The Tigers couldn’t get anything started against Miller, but they finally threatened to score in the eighth against right-handed reliever Yimi García. Parker Meadows worked a leadoff walk and advanced to third with two outs.

The Mariners called on Muñoz for a two-out matchup with Báez.

Báez hit a two-run home run to left-center field.

Four early walks

Right-hander Alex Faedo is a traditional reliever, but he started Thursday’s game against the Mariners as an opener.

Faedo struggled to command his pitches and walked four batters in the first inning, including one with the bases loaded for the game’s only run over its first 7½ innings.

Faedo, who needed 33 pitches to get three outs, walked Jorge Polanco, Randy Arozarena and Luke Raley in the first inning. With two outs, Justin Turner drew a full-count, bases-loaded walk on a down-and-away slider that he refused to chase.

Kenta Maeda shines again

Right-handed reliever Kenta Maeda, who used to be a traditional starter, performed well in his sixth relief appearance since the Tigers removed him from the rotation.

Maeda, 36, tossed 5⅔ scoreless innings on one hit and one walk with five strikeouts, throwing 84 pitches. He generated 12 whiffs on 40 swings — a 30% whiff rate — with five sliders, two fastballs and five splitters.

He owns a 3.33 ERA with two walks and 21 strikeouts across 24⅓ innings in six relief appearances.

After Maeda, the Tigers received scoreless performances from right-handed reliever Shelby Miller and right-handed reliever Jason Foley to end the game.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

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