Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
