Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
