Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.