Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

During an intense 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major 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 compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

  • The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
  • Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
  • After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
  • Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.

The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.

Ryan Lee
Ryan Lee

A tech enthusiast and science writer with a passion for making complex topics accessible and engaging for all readers.