Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. 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 run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.
The starter went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.
