Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

  • The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
  • Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
  • After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
  • Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.

Brittney Mcclain
Brittney Mcclain

A passionate historian and travel writer dedicated to preserving and sharing the unique heritage of the Amalfi region.