Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 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 initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
