Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
