Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.