Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

  • JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
  • Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
  • After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
  • Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.

Heather Schultz
Heather Schultz

Tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring how innovation shapes our future, sharing insights from years of industry experience.