The Seattle Mariners secured a dramatic victory over the Detroit Tigers in a riveting Game 5 of the American League Division Series. This thrilling contest concluded with a 3-2 score after 15 innings, propelling the Mariners to their first AL Championship Series appearance in 24 years.
Key Moments in the Game
- Winning Hit: Jorge Polanco delivered a single that brought home the winning run in the 15th inning.
- Pitching Duel: Starters Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a fierce pitching matchup.
- Crucial Errors: The Mariners capitalized on a throwing error by Parker Meadows during the final inning.
Game Recap
The Mariners’ victory came after a closely contested game. Luis Castillo made his first relief appearance in the majors, pitching one and one-third innings to earn the win. This game marked a significant moment for the Mariners, who will meet the Toronto Blue Jays for the pennant on Sunday.
In the 15th inning, JP Crawford started with a single off Tommy Kahnle. Following him, Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch. Although Cal Raleigh flied out, Crawford advanced to third base due to Meadows’ throwing blunder. An intentional walk issued to Julio Rodriguez set up Polanco’s decisive hit on a 3-2 pitch.
Tigers’ Performance
The Detroit Tigers scored their runs thanks to Kerry Carpenter, who hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning for all of their offense. Earlier in the game, the Mariners found themselves trailing until Leo Rivas’ RBI single in the seventh tied the game at 2-2.
Pitching Highlights
- Tarik Skubal: The potential Cy Young Award winner struck out 13 batters, setting a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
- George Kirby: While not as dominant, he managed to hold off the Tigers for five innings before giving way to the bullpen.
This thrilling encounter demonstrated the resilience and skill of both teams, ultimately favoring the Mariners as they seek to continue their quest for postseason glory.
