Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
