Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching 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 Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

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

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

Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a point for the home side.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.