Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
