Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.
