Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion 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 sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.
Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
