Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring 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 repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames 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 advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.
