Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
