Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.