Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter'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 later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls 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 sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
