Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing 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 Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. 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 Mariners.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.