Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad 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 the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
