Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow 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
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.