Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
