Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
