It took 24 years, but the Seattle Mariners are finally returning to the American League Championship Series by virtue of Jorge Polanco’s 15th-inning walk-off single against the Detroit Tigers in Game 4 of the Division Series on Friday night.
The playoff epic lasted more than 400 pitches and nearly five hours. Fortunately, the Mariners have an off day to fly across the continent for Sunday’s series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Facing veteran Tigers reliever Tommy Kahnle with the bases loaded in the 15th inning, Polanco sent a 3-2 changeup into right field to score Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford and seal the 3-2 victory.
The Mariners left 12 runners on base and still managed to advance to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
‘We never give up. We just keep fighting. It doesn’t matter how many innings we play,’ Polanco said. ‘We just stay ready and wait for the moment. It’s going to come. It was my time.’
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Jorge Polanco #7 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates after hitting the game-winning RBI single
