Peña’s leadoff HR in 18th sends Astros to 6th straight ALCS

SEATTLE — Astros rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña delivered the biggest hit of his young career when he slugged a leadoff homer in the 18th inning to send Houston to a thrilling 1-0 win over the Mariners in an epic Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Saturday at T-Mobile Park.

The Astros, who posted come-from-behind wins in Houston in Games 1 and 2, swept the best-of-five series to advance to their sixth consecutive AL Championship Series. They will host either the Yankees or Guardians in Game 1 on Wednesday in Houston.

After Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. threw six scoreless innings, seven relief pitchers followed and combined for 12 more scoreless innings in an awesome display of pitching depth. Luis Garcia, a starter who hadn’t pitched since Oct. 2, threw the final five innings to end the marathon game after more than six hours. The 18 innings tied the longest playoff game in Astros history.