🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years In a dramatic 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. Key Moments in the Marathon Game The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades. Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home. Final Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field. Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second. After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third. Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game. Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames. Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single. Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings. Opening Hurlers Duel The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames. The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's. The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners. The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead. The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts. The win marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.