Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single 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 Game
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.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter 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 substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
