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In a dramatic 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

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

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

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

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.