Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
