🔗 Share this article

In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings 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 Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

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

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.