Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.