Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

Through a gripping 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered 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 ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

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

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

Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

The starter went over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.