Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners 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, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

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

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.