Here are some key takeaways from their ALDS win.
The Mariners’ pitching staff was the star of this game
While Polanco will be the hero that is remembered for delivering the game-winning hit, they do not get into that position with the work of their pitching staff, which included a mix of starters and relief pitchers over the marathon game.
The only issue they had was Gabe Speier giving up a two-run home run to Kerry Carpenter in the top of the sixth inning, representing the only Tigers runs of the game.
But other than that one mistake?
The Mariners’ pitching staff completely shut the door with five additional pitchers (including starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo) combining to allow zero runs over the final nine innings of the game.
They pitched out of jams. They did not allow a run. They were clutch in every major moment.
The bullpen performance came after starting pitcher George Kirby threw brilliant innings, striking out six and being left on the hook for one run (which scored on the home run allowed by Speier).
Tarik Skubal was incredible… and the Tigers couldn’t take advantage of it
Skubal was the ultimate X-factor in this series. Not only because he’s the best pitcher in the American League, and at worst the second-best pitcher in all of baseball, but because the Tigers knew they were going to be able to throw him two times if needed.
They needed him. And he was everything they could have hoped for him to be.
They were unable to take advantage of it.
He pitched six innings on Friday, allowing one run and striking out 13 batters while walking none. It was the most strikeouts ever by a starting pitcher in a winner-take-all postseason game. In the series, he allowed just three runs in 13 innings while striking out 22 batters in his two starts.
The Tigers won neither of those games.
Even worse, if you go back to the end of the regular season, the Tigers won just one of his final six starts, despite him allowing just 10 earned runs in 36 innings during that stretch. That’s still an incredible 2.50 ERA. And the Tigers couldn’t win with that.
The Mariners’ pitching staff deserves credit for matching him pitch-for-pitch and shutting down the Tigers.
But the Tigers also have a long offseason of questions ahead to make sure their offense does not waste more brilliance from Skubal in big moments.
Do you know who really loved watching this game?
The Toronto Blue Jays.
While they were sitting back home in Toronto awaiting the winner, they watched their next opponent for Sunday absolutely burn through their pitching staff in a manner that will no doubt leave them shorthanded for Game 1 of the ALCS on Sunday.
It could be an early series problem for Seattle.
They had to use three starting pitchers (Kirby, Gilbert and Castillo) on. Friday and their top relief pitchers. They combined to throw 209 pitches, and several of them may not be available for Game 1. If nothing else, they might be a little more worn down.
