Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team 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, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, 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 contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter 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 later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

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

This victory marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.