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

During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh 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 Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.