Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.
