Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final 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 struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
