Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
