Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
