Mariners Advance to ALCS After 15-Inning Victory Over Tigers

The Seattle Mariners secured their first American League Championship Series (ALCS) appearance since 2001 by defeating the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in a 15-inning Game 5 of the American League Division Series (ALDS). Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive hit, a single with one out and the bases loaded in the 15th inning. Reflecting on the game, Polanco stated, "A lot of emotions since the start of the game. I know we played a long game, but this team never gives up."

The Mariners' pitching staff played a pivotal role, with starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo making their first career relief appearances. Relievers Matt Brash and Eduard Bazardo also contributed with their longest outings to date. Manager Dan Wilson praised the team's effort, saying, "I don't even know where to begin to try to recap all the heroic efforts that went into today. Just from one guy to the next."

For the Tigers, Tarik Skubal delivered a standout performance, allowing one run on two hits over six innings and recording 13 strikeouts, setting a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts. Despite his efforts, the Mariners tied the game in the seventh inning when Leo Rivas, celebrating his 28th birthday, hit an RBI single in his first postseason at-bat. Rivas commented on his journey, "It's hard. (Watching) everybody go all the way like that. Most people just give up."

The Mariners will begin their ALCS campaign against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday in Canada.