Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown 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 single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.