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Through a gripping 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

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

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

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

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.