Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years

Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 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 first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter 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 posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

The win marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.