Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

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

Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

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

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.