Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years

In a dramatic extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

  • The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
  • Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
  • After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
  • Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

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

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.

Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.

Donna Jordan
Donna Jordan

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