Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
