Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching 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 seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
