Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure 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 championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
