🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS. Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001. The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto. 15th Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield. Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases. After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third. Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest. Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single. Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th. Opening Hurlers Duel Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames. The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts. The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side. The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead. Kirby went over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts. The win signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.