Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th 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, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.
