Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.
The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.
