Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years

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

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

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

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set 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 deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.