Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
