Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.