🔗 Share this article

In a dramatic 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.