Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
