Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
