Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
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 pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
