🔗 Share this article

Through a gripping 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the bottom 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 Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.