Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts 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 scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
