Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown 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 the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.
The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.
Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
- After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
- Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to conclude the game.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.
Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.
Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Opening Hurlers Battle
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.
The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.
The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.
