Just when it seemed the Mariners batting futility would rob starter Felix Hernandez of a well-earned victory, Russell "The Muscle" Branyan stepped to the plate and did what only he could do.
With one on and two out, Branyan homered to right-center field to put Seattle (50-44) up top for the eventual 2-1 victory over the Tigers today in Detroit.
The blast came after seven innings with just one hit and no runs off Tigers starter Armando Galarraga, who was relieved by Bobby Seay before Branyan came to bat.
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While not quite as dominant as his opponent, Hernandez was his usual self, lasting seven innings with one run, six hits, one walk and eight strikeouts.
He managed to get out of the first with no runs despite having no outs and runners on the corners at one point.
The Tigers lone run came in the third when Placido Polanco scored off a single after stealing second earlier in the at bat. Hernandez retired the last seven batters he faced before Mark Lowe relieved him to start the eighth.
The Mariners won despite just two hits on the game, from Branyan and Ryan Langerhans, who also walked twice. Previous to Branyan's home run, Jack Hannahan was called out going for third on Ichiro Suzuki's infield grounder.
Lowe and David Aardsma combined for two scoreless innings with zero hits and zero walks.
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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