Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow 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 win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.
