Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
