Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
