Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.