Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
