Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with 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 championship after a long postseason absence.