Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.