Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.
The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.