Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom 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 Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark 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 brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
