Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.
The starter went over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
