Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years
During an intense extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Duel
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.
Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.
The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
