Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- 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 game.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
