Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, 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 first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom 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 made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
