Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single 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.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. 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 one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.