Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
