Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling 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 contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.