Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
