Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter 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.
The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.