Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense extra-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.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award 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.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.