Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended 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 initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.
The starter went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.
