🔗 Share this article

Through a gripping 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS 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 scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder 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

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

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

Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.

The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.