Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the game.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.
This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.
