Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

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

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

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

Starting Pitchers Duel

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

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.

Kirby went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.

The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.