Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense 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 posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
