Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
