Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
