Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.
The starter went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
