Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two 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 came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
