Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
