Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

  • The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
  • Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
  • After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
  • Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.

James Robertson
James Robertson

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