Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
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 in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
