Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
