Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching 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, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder 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
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, 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 postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.