Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

  • The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
  • Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
  • After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
  • Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the home side.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.

The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.

Joan Conley
Joan Conley

Tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring cutting-edge innovations and their impact on society.