Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.
The starter went over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.
