Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
