Castellanos Leads Tigers Past Mariners, 9-4

Jul 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) runs the bases after hitting a grand slam off Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Mike Montgomery (37) in the third inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Castellanos did everything Wednesday Night, leading the charge for the Detroit Tigers to win their second game of the four game series against the Seattle Mariners 9-4. The win puts the tigers back at .500 for the season at 47-47.

Castellanos hit his first career grand slam in the 3rd inning, which was an absolute bomb to left-center. The grand slam was his eighth home run of the season and fifth career in twelve games against the Mariners. He finished the night going 2-3.

Not only was he sharp on offense for the second night in a row, Nick also showed off the glove a bit, making some excellent plays at third base to gun down batters headed to first. Sporting the shiner on his left eye from misplaying a hard ground ball last week, it’s nice to see Nick battle back and make big plays.

Ian Kinsler had himself a four hit evening, going 4-5 with two runs and an RBI which also came in the 3rd, when he doubled and drove in Rajai Davis. Before it was all said and done, the Tigers put up an 8 spot in the inning. Six of those runs were charged to Mariners starter Mike Montgomery, who was pretty much finished after the grand slam. His final numbers were 2.2 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 5 BB 2 K’s

Anibal Sanchez won his seventh straight decision, even though he gave up his 21st home run of the year, which is a career high. Sanchez is now 10-7, finishing the night allowing 9 hits over 6.2 innings of work, allowing the four runs while striking out six and walking two. He pitched just well enough for Detroit to rebound from last nights horrible 11-9 loss, except to Nelson Cruz, who is basically the new version of Jim Thome for Tigers fans.

Nelson Cruz did his normal damage against the Tigers, continuing his dominance versus Detroit pitching. No matter what uni form he’s wearing, Cruz hits home runs frequently and often against the Tigers. Wednesday Night he added two more home runs, raising his total to 20 career against Detroit including the playoffs.

Joakim Soria closed out the four out save for his 22nd of the season.

The Tigers wrap up the four game series against the Mariners tomorrow afternoon as Hisashi Iwakuma (2-1 4.58 ERA) battles Tigers Ace David Price (9-3 2.38 ERA). Iwakuma pitched on July 6th against the Tigers, and only lasted five innings and gave up five runs.