Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting 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 intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.