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During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching 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

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th 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 let the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

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

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.