Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score 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 American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.
Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.
The starter went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
