Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.