Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award 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 postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
