Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
Through a gripping extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense 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 run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
