đź”— Share this article Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series. Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades. Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field. Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second. After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance. Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the game. Key Runs and Defensive Efforts A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the sixth inning. Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit. Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th. Opening Hurlers Battle The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings. The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts. The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners. The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage. Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.