Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
