Mariners advance to the ALCS after an epic 15-inning victory vs. Tigers

Mariners Beat Tigers in an Epic 15-Inning Game

After an exciting encounter that extended for fifteen innings, the Mariners secured their place in the American League Championship Series, defeating the Tigers with a single by Jorge Polanco. The victory, which came in the early hours of Saturday, marked the first time Seattle has advanced to this stage since 2001. The matchup, which lasted nearly five hours, was a battle of attrition in which 15 pitchers were used, including Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo, who made their first relief appearances in their careers. The game was full of missed opportunities and overflowing emotions, fueled by a crowd of 47,025 fans at T-Mobile Park, which maintained a deafening atmosphere.

An incredible victory for Seattle, which means an epic defeat for us.

A.J. Hinch, Tigers manager

Mariners pitcher George Kirby described the experience as a challenge, mentioning that he felt a strong headache from the eighth inning. The game felt like two distinct matches, especially after Kerry Carpenter hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning, following the departure of the dominant Tigers pitcher, Tarik Skubal. Skubal, with his change of pace, kept Seattle’s offense at bay, accumulating multiple strikeouts. Despite the Mariners managing to increase his pitch count, Skubal maintained control until the sixth inning, where he was relieved. His final pitch, against Cal Raleigh, reached 101 mph and gave him his thirteenth strikeout of the game. Skubal’s outing was a relief for the Mariners, who immediately tied the game with a single by Leo Rivas, celebrating his 28th birthday. From that moment on, the score remained tied for almost three hours, with both teams using effective relievers. In the bottom of the fifteenth inning, with Tommy Kahnle on the mound for Detroit, J.P. Crawford singled, starting a promising attack. Kahnle then hit Randy Arozarena, which led to Raleigh at the plate, who hit a deep fly ball that allowed Crawford to advance to third and Arozarena to second. After an intentional walk to Julio Rodriguez, Polanco had the opportunity to define the game. Polanco, focusing on a change of speed from Kahnle, connected with the ball between first and second base, allowing Crawford to score the winning run. T-Mobile Park exploded in jubilation, with a deafening noise that echoed throughout the stadium.

Legend: Jorge Polanco’s single in the 15th inning culminated the Mariners’ first victory in a playoff series that was decided in extra innings since Game 5 of the 1995 American League Division Series. This victory will be remembered alongside the most memorable moments in Mariners history, like that epic 1995 game against the Yankees. The post-game celebration, with champagne and the palpable emotion of the players, was a reflection of the gratitude and pride they felt. The fans who witnessed this 15-inning battle will surely remember this encounter for a long time.