Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks 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 second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
