Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

  • JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
  • Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
  • After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
  • Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run 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 multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

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

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.

Taylor Mclaughlin
Taylor Mclaughlin

An experienced journalist with a passion for technology and digital culture, based in Prague.