Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping extra-inning clash, 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 visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
