Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.
