Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing 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 initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
