Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
