Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
