Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.