Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
