Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.