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

Through a gripping 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

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

Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.

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

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.