Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years

In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts 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 sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.