Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

In a dramatic 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run 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.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.

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

This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.