Scoring first in any baseball game is generally considered a solid advantage. It does not always work out that way as comebacks are often the theme form motivated teams. But in decisive postseason games, the first run can be a huge advantage. The Seattle Mariners are hopeful that the work Josh Naylor did in the second inning of Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers can become the trigger for a huge victory.

The Mariners have homefield advantage in the fifth and final game of the series, but the Tigers are in the battle with Tarik Skubal on the mound. The Tigers' ace left-handed pitcher is the favorite to win the Cy Young Award in the American League.

Naylor almost certainly has full respect for Skubal, but he is not afraid of him. The left-handed

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