Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it 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 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 pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
