Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.