Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship 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 bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad 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 low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the home side.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.