Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score 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.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

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

Final Inning Breakthrough

  • JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
  • Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
  • After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
  • Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.

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

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

Nicole Bell
Nicole Bell

A passionate food writer and chef with over a decade of experience in Canadian culinary arts, sharing recipes and stories from coast to coast.