During an intense 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.
The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom 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 made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
