🔗 Share this article

In a dramatic extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

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

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.