Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.