Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
