🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades. Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Breakthrough JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single 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 allowed Crawford to advance. Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game. Key Runs and Defensive Performances Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit. Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th. Starting Pitchers Battle The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames. Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, 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 seven consecutive strikeouts. His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners. The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead. The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts. The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.