Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
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 since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
