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In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count 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.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened multiple times 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 the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.