Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's 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 run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.
The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
