Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

  • JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
  • Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
  • After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
  • Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.

Michelle Howard
Michelle Howard

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