Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the home side.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
