Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted five-plus innings 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 World Series after a long playoff drought.
