In a historic showdown, Jorge Polanco’s game-winning single propelled the Seattle Mariners to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers. This match, held on Friday night, marked the longest winner-take-all postseason game in Major League Baseball history. The Mariners now advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Polanco’s Game-Winning Moment
With the bases loaded and one out in the 15th inning, Polanco delivered a crucial hit. He connected with a full-count changeup from Tommy Kahnle, driving in J.P. Crawford. The Mariners celebrated as Crawford crossed home plate in front of a vibrant crowd of 47,025 fans.
Key Game Details
- Game Duration: 4 hours, 58 minutes
- Total Pitches: 472
- Mariners’ Hits: 12
- Detroit Tigers’ Hits: 10
Notable Player Performances
Crawford’s contribution started with a leadoff single. Randy Arozarena then got hit by a pitch, followed by an intentional walk for Julio Rodríguez, setting the stage for Polanco’s decisive hit. The match featured strong performances from both teams, including:
- Mariners:
- Polanco’s game-winning hit
- Leo Rivas’ pinch-hit single, celebrated as his first postseason hit on his birthday
- Tigers:
- Kerry Carpenter hit a two-run homer and had four hits
- Tarik Skubal struck out 13 batters in six innings
Challenges and Missed Opportunities
Despite their victory, the Mariners faced challenges during the game. They left 12 runners on base, struggling to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities. They had runners on second base without scoring in the 10th, 12th, and 13th innings.
The Tigers mirrored this trend, going 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position, which hindered their chances to secure a win.
Looking Ahead
The Mariners now prepare for a tough matchup against the American League East champion Toronto Blue Jays, starting Sunday night in Toronto. Seattle has faced the Blue Jays six times this season, managing only two wins, showing the significant challenge that lies ahead.
As the Mariners celebrate their hard-fought victory, both teams reflect on a historic game full of excitement and missed opportunities. It’s a testament to the intensity of postseason baseball.
