Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
