🔗 Share this article

Through a gripping extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending 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 contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

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

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.

The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

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