Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
