Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
