Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, 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 Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
