SEATTLE -- It’s been four days since George Kirby last took the mound for the Mariners, and when he exited that Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Tigers, the two teams played for about 2 1/2 more hours, with Kirby watching from the dugout as two of his fellow rotation mates jogged out from the bullpen to help finish off the Mariners’ 15-inning win over the Tigers .
Now as the AL Championship Series swings to Seattle on Wednesday with the Mariners needing just two wins to clinch the franchise’s first World Series appearance , shortstop J.P. Crawford has one request.
“Hope all the games are under nine innings,” Crawford said Monday night after Seattle’s Game 2 win .
Whatever happens over these next two games -- or potentially more -- in the best-of-seven se