Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

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 hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.