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During an intense extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

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

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

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

Starting Pitchers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

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