Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

Through a gripping 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.

The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.