Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
