Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in 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.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.