Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers 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, gave up a single score on a couple of 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 early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.

Kirby went over five frames and was charged with one run on a few 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 World Series after a extended playoff drought.