Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's 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 sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.