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During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

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

Opening Hurlers Duel

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

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.

Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.

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