Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

In a dramatic 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

  • JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
  • Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
  • After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
  • Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, 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 lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.

Andrea Brock
Andrea Brock

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in the industry.