Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades
During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.
Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
- After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances
A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Starting Pitchers Battle
Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.
The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.
Kirby went over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.
