Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring 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 RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.
