Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched 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.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.
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.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
