Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

During an intense 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

  • The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
  • Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
  • After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
  • Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.

The starter went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.

Jessica Vasquez
Jessica Vasquez

A passionate DIY enthusiast and home decor expert with over a decade of experience in transforming spaces.