Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.
The win signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.
