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In a dramatic 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown 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 bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners 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 low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.