Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.