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In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.