SEATTLE -- Kerry Carpenter loves hitting at T-Mobile Park. He also loves hitting against George Kirby.

Put the two together on the postseason stage, and Carpenter relished the chance to play postseason hero on Saturday night, delivering a two-run homer for the Tigers’ first runs in Game 1 of the AL Division Series against the Mariners.

Carpenter entered the day 4-for-8 for his career against Kirby, all of the hits home runs -- two in 2023, two more in 2024. They didn’t meet this regular season due to injuries. Kirby was out when the Tigers visited Seattle in early April, then Carpenter was on the injured list when Kirby pitched at Comerica Park in July.

Kirby struck out Carpenter on a 99.5 mph sinker in the opening inning Saturday. Carpenter hit a solid line drive in the third inning,

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