Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.
The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
