Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams 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 the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
