Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began 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 responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
