Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

  • The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
  • Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
  • After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
  • Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.

Ricardo Parks
Ricardo Parks

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to empowering others through positive psychology and actionable advice.