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Through a gripping 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against 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 Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

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

Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

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

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.

The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.