Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

In a dramatic extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

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

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.