Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning contest, 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 ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
