Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
