Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
