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During an intense 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs 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 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.