Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final 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 runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.
The starter went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
