🔗 Share this article Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, 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, 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 Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield. Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases. After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third. Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the game. Key Runs and Defensive Performances Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single. Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings. Opening Hurlers Duel Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings. The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's. The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners. The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage. Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts. The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.