Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
