🔗 Share this article

Through a gripping 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' 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 run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.