Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years

In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners 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, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

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

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.