Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.