🔗 Share this article Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years Through a gripping 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series. Decisive Plays in the Extended Game The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001. Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home. Final Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield. Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases. After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to advance. Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the game. Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning. Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit. Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings. Starting Pitchers Duel The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames. Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts. His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners. Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead. Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's. This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.