🔗 Share this article

In a dramatic extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score 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 American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise 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 sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

The win signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.