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In a dramatic 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

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

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

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