Jorge Polanco's two homers crush Tigers ace Skubal as Mariners capture first home playoff win in 24 years

Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor committed a key mistake in the top of the 8th inning, enabling the Tigers to rally for two runs and even the score. Fortunately, teammates Cal Raleigh and "J-Rod" Julio Rodríguez followed with consecutive doubles in the bottom of the 8th, helping the Mariners secure a 3-2 victory over the Tigers and even the division series at home. This marked Seattle’s first home playoff win in 24 years.

Tigers’ left-handed ace Tarik Skubal pitched seven innings, allowing five hits, striking out nine, and giving up only two runs—both solo homers by Jorge Polanco. Polanco blasted home runs in the 4th and 6th innings, carrying the Tigers’ offense on his own.

Mariners starter Luis Castillo threw 4.1 scoreless innings, surrendering just one hit, striking out three, and walking four. He exited in the 5th inning with two outs and runners on first and third, and the bullpen held firm, keeping the Tigers scoreless through seven innings.

The momentum shifted in the top of the 8th when Matt Brash came in and first walked a batter. Although he struck out Kerry Carpenter, a critical error by first baseman Naylor on Riley Greene’s grounder, which could have been a double play, allowed the Tigers to load the bases. Spencer Torkelson then hit a double to tie the game.

The Mariners responded immediately in the bottom of the 8th, with Raleigh and Rodríguez hitting back-to-back doubles to drive in the go-ahead run. In the top of the 9th, closer Andrés Muñoz came in and retired the side in order to secure the win.

The Mariners last made the playoffs in 2022, when they swept the Blue Jays in the Wild Card series on the road but were swept by the Astros in the Division Series. Their last home playoff win dates back to Game 5 of the 2001 Division Series, when they defeated the Indians 3-1. After 24 years, Seattle fans finally witnessed a home playoff victory again.