Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing 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 Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting 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 connected on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three 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 extended playoff drought.
