Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

  • The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
  • Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
  • After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
  • Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

The starter went over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.

Ashley Blevins
Ashley Blevins

Interior design enthusiast with a passion for sustainable home styling and years of experience in transforming spaces.