Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
