Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.