🔗 Share this article

Through a gripping extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, clinching 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 initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense 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 Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.