Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.