Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.
The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
