Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
