Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.
The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.
