Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years

During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

  • The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
  • Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
  • After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
  • Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.

The starter went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.

Mariah Oliver
Mariah Oliver

A passionate local guide with over 10 years of experience sharing Turin's hidden gems and stories.