Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
