Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
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 later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
