Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
