🔗 Share this article

Through a gripping extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.