Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a point for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

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

This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.