Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.
