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During an intense 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set 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 brought home a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

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

The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.