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Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching 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 Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances

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

The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.