Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, 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 pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

The starter went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.