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During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

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

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

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.