Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw 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 compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
