Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
