Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad 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, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided 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.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
