Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
