Mariners to the ALCS: Polanco delivers the epic victory in 15 innings

In an epic encounter that lasted four hours and 58 minutes, the Seattle Mariners achieved a dramatic victory over the Detroit Tigers, securing their place in the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2001. Jorge Polanco hit a single in the bottom of the 15th inning, sealing the 3-2 victory. The game, which involved 15 pitchers and 472 pitches, kept the fans on the edge of their seats. Starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo, made their first appearances as relievers in their careers.

“An incredible victory for Seattle, which means it was an incredible defeat for us. That was an epic game,” declared Tigers manager A.J. Hinch.

A.J. Hinch

The Mariners’ pitcher, George Kirby, admitted that he felt a strong headache from the eighth inning and was glad the game finally ended. The game was divided into two distinct parts. The Mariners took the lead in the second inning, but Kerry Carpenter of the Tigers hit a two-run home run in the sixth, changing the course of the game. Tarik Skubal of the Tigers dominated the Mariners with his changeup, accumulating 13 strikeouts before leaving the mound in the sixth inning. Skubal’s outing gave the Mariners a breather, who immediately tied the score with a single by Leo Rivas, celebrating his 28th birthday. The relievers from both teams kept the score tied for almost three more hours, with effective performances by Will Vest, Rafael Montero, and Jack Flaherty for the Tigers, and Matt Brash, Andres Munoz, Gilbert, and Castillo for the Mariners.

“You can’t say enough about what those guys did out of the bullpen,” commented Mariners manager Dan Wilson.

Dan Wilson

The pressure was high throughout the game, with runners on base and crucial double plays. The excitement intensified as the extra innings progressed. In the bottom of the 15th, J.P. Crawford singled for the Mariners. After Tommy Kahnle hit Randy Arozarena, Cal Raleigh advanced to third base. Hinch ordered an intentional walk to Julio Rodriguez, setting the stage for Polanco. Polanco, focused on Kahnle’s change of speed, hit the decisive hit.

“I was just looking for a pitch to hit,” Polanco said.

Jorge Polanco

T-Mobile Park erupted in jubilation, with a deafening atmosphere. The Mariners’ game is compared to the victory in the 1995 American League Division Series, when Edgar Martínez and Ken Griffey Jr. starred in a historic moment. After the game, Polanco expressed his gratitude for the victory.