Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
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 twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames 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 Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
