Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter 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 advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding 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 opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
