Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand 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 significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
