Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score 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 ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter 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 allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.
The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
