Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award 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 seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
