Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
