🔗 Share this article

During an intense extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single 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.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

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

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher 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 Detroit the advantage.

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

This victory signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.