Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game
The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.
The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.
