Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
The starter went over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
