Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams 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
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
