Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners 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 sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad 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 Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, 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 back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.
