Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.