🔗 Share this article Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad 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 major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001. The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. Final Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield. Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second. After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance. Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game. Key Runs and Pitching Efforts Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames. Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit. Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th. Starting Pitchers Duel The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings. Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark 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 home side. Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead. The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts. The win marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.