Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
