Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.