Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter 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 overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.
Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.