Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
