Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

In a dramatic extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday 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.
  • Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
  • After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
  • Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.

William Johnson
William Johnson

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about exploring the intersection of design and emerging technologies.