🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades. Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. Final Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field. Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second. After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third. Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game. Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the sixth inning. Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single. Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, 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 low-scoring battle in the opening frames. Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark 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 point for the home side. Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead. The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts. The win signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.