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Through a gripping extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

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

Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.