Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners 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, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.
