Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error 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 Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.
The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.