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

In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, propelling 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 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

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

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

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

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.