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Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened repeatedly 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 delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.