Tigers Surprise Mariners in Extra Innings: McKinstry Key, Skubal Waits

Tigers Beat Mariners in Extra Innings with Timely Hitting

Seattle – The Tigers secured a crucial extra-inning victory against the Mariners, with a final score of 3-2. The game, filled with tension, was decided thanks to a timely single by Zach McKinstry in the 11th inning, driving in Spencer Torkelson from second base. In a critical situation with two outs and the winning run in scoring position, McKinstry faced Mariners pitcher Carlos Vargas. Despite the possibility of an intentional walk, the Mariners manager decided to face McKinstry, who hit a single that sealed the victory for the Tigers.

“We talked about it. Vargy gets the ball on the ground, and that’s what he does best, both for right-handers and left-handers, and he got the ball on the ground.”

Dan Wilson, Mariners Manager

The team once again demonstrated the Tigers’ ability to function as a cohesive unit, a concept that their manager, A.J. Hinch, has emphasized. The game began with a solid performance by Tigers rookie pitcher Troy Melton, who pitched four quality innings, allowing only one run. The Tigers’ bullpen, including Keider Montero, held the Mariners at bay for seven innings, allowing only one run. The key moment arrived with a two-run homer by Kerry Carpenter, and the crucial single by McKinstry, which propelled the Tigers to victory. Now, with Tarik Skubal scheduled to pitch in Game 2, the Tigers have the opportunity to take a significant lead in the series.

“It’s huge. Getting a win before he pitches the best pitcher in the world is something special, and I feel like Skubal is made for these moments.”

Kerry Carpenter

Melton, who was informed by Hinch of his opening via text message, responded with a four-inning performance, allowing only a solo home run by Julio Rodríguez. The Mariners’ opener, George Kirby, had a dominant start, using the adrenaline of a home playoff game to throw his fastball at speeds above his season average. Kirby managed to strike out eight batters in the first four innings. In the fifth inning, Kirby allowed a single to Parker Meadows and then allowed Kerry Carpenter to hit a two-run home run that gave the Tigers the lead.

Rodríguez tied the game in the sixth inning, but the Mariners couldn’t capitalize. Tyler Holton relieved and managed to get three quick outs. Tommy Kahnle, Kyle Finnegan, and Will Vest held the Mariners to just one runner on base in four innings, setting the stage for the winning sequence in the top of the 11th inning.

Torkelson received a walk against Vargas. McKinstry singled on the first pitch, sealing the victory for the Tigers. At the bottom of the inning, Montero closed the game, allowing a single by Rodriguez and striking out Josh Naylor to record the first save of his professional career.

“When I was in the minor leagues, they used to use me like that, and I always told my teammates that my dream was to close a game”.

Keider Montero