Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.