Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades
Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.
Key Runs and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
