Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
The starter lasted 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 major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
