Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching 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 Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, 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 contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
