Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years
In a dramatic 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
Decisive Plays in the Extended Game
Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.
Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.
15th Inning Breakthrough
- JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
- Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
- After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
- Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.
Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts
Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.
The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.
Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.
Starting Pitchers Duel
Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.
The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.
The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.
The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.
