Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the game.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
