Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on three 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 championship after a long postseason absence.
