Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
