Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.
Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
