Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.
Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
This victory signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.