Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
