Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.
