Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.
The starter went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
