Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
The starter went over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.