Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow 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 first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
