Watch: Jeremy Pena's 18th-inning HR vs. Mariners sends Astros to ALCS for sixth consecutive season
The Houston Astros advanced to the American League Championship Series on Saturday night, completing the series sweep of the Seattle Mariners with an epic 18-inning 1-0 victory in Game 3 of the ALDS.
In the top of the 18th inning, tied 0-0, Astros' shortstop Jeremy Pena smoked a 3-2 pitch from Seattle's Robbie Ray over the centerfield wall for the game-winning run.
After combining for 21 runs through the first two games of the ALDS, an extra-innings pitchers' duel broke out in Game 3. Astros' starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. silenced the Mariners' offense through 6.0 innings, allowing only two hits while striking out seven. Meanwhile, George Kirby was just as impressive on the hill for the Mariners. Kirby allowed six hits and struck out five through 7.0 strong innings of work.
McCullers gave way to the Astros' bullpen in the seventh, who pulled their weight big-time down the stretch. Seven different pitchers combined to throw 12 scoreless innings for Houston. Luis Garcia led the way, pitching five innings in relief, allowing just two hits and striking out six to earn the win.
After the three-game sweep, the Astros have punched their ticket to the ALCS for a sixth consecutive season. Houston will meet either the New York Yankees or the Cleveland Guardians for the right to represent the American League in the World Series.
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