Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
