ð Share this article Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years Through a gripping 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS. Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001. Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field. Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second. After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to take third. Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game. Key Runs and Pitching Efforts Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames. The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single. Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings. Starting Pitchers Battle Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames. Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts. His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners. Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead. The starter went over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's. The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.