Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
