Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
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 secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
