Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping extra-inning contest, 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.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling 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 showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
