Kinsler's Clutch HR Leads Tigers Over Mariners, 5-4 [VIDEO]

DETROIT (AP) — Ian Kinsler homered twice, including a go-ahead two-run shot in the eighth inning, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Seattle Mariners 5-4 Monday night.

Kinsler, who came in with three homers this season, hit one off Seattle starter J.A. Happ in the first, and then drove a fastball from Mark Lowe over the Tigers' bullpen with two out in the eighth. It was his first multi-homer game since Sept. 7, 2011.

Lowe (0-1) hadn't allowed an earned run in his last 12 outings, dating back to June 14, but Jose Iglesias doubled with one out, took third on a grounder and scored on Kinsler's homer.

Al Alburquerque (1-0) picked up his first decision in 60 outings, pitching a scoreless eighth inning. Joakim Soria got the last three outs for his 21st save.

Kinsler's late homer got Alfredo Simon off the hook. Simon gave up four runs, six hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings. He has allowed at least four runs in an AL-high six straight starts, posting a 10.25 ERA while averaging under five innings per outing.

Slumping Mike Zunino had two hits and three RBIs for Seattle.

The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the first on Kinsler's high flyball to left that rode a strong breeze into the Detroit bullpen.

Seattle loaded the bases in the second on Seth Smith's double, a walk and Logan Morrison's infield single that hit Simon on the right hip.

Zunino then doubled off the 420-foot sign in center field, with the ball just eluding Rajai Davis's leap. Two runs scored, but Morrison only made it to third and Simon got out of the jam without further damage.

James McCann's two-run double put the Tigers back in front in the bottom of the second, but Robinson Cano's solo homer made it 3-3 in the fifth.

Zunino, who entered the game hitting .111 with two RBIs in July, put Seattle ahead in the sixth with an single that drove home former Tiger Austin Jackson.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Mariners: LHP Charlie Furbush (biceps strain) threw long toss Monday afternoon, including some throws from 60 feet on flat ground. If Furbush does not experience discomfort, he could throw a bullpen session as soon as Wednesday.

Tigers: DH Victor Martinez took grounders at shortstop during batting practice Monday, but isn't planning to move to the middle infield. Martinez, who has not played in the field this year because of knee problems, is hoping to be able to spell Miguel Cabrera at first base when Cabrera returns from a calf injury.

UP NEXT

The teams play the second of a four-game series Tuesday night, with Seattle's Taijuan Walker (7-7, 4.84) facing Detroit's Shane Greene (4-7, 6.32). Walker faced the Tigers for the first time on July 7, getting a no decision after allowing five earned runs in six innings.

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