🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS. Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup 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 ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001. Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. Final Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield. Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second. After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third. Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest. Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames. The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit. Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings. Opening Hurlers Duel Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings. The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's. The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners. The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage. Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts. This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.