Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

  • The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
  • Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
  • After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
  • Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.

The win marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.

Lucas Baker
Lucas Baker

A tech-savvy journalist with a passion for exploring digital innovations and sharing practical advice for modern living.