Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
