Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Key Moments in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
- Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
- After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.
Key Runs and Pitching Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.
Opening Hurlers Battle
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.
Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.
The starter went over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.
This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.