Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers 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, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle tied it 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 hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.

The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.