Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

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

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

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

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

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.

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 signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.