Mariners Advance to ALCS in Historic 15-Inning Thriller

SEATTLE, Washington — The Seattle Mariners clinched their first American League Championship Series berth since 2001 on Friday night, defeating the Detroit Tigers in a record-breaking 15-inning duel in Game 5 of the AL Division Series.

In a game that lasted nearly five hours, Mariners’ Jorge Polanco delivered the winning hit with a walk-off single, breaking the MLB record for the longest winner-take-all playoff game. The thriller ended with a score of 4-3, marking a significant milestone for the Mariners franchise.

“It’s an incredible feeling to finally get back to the ALCS,” Polanco said post-game. “We fought hard all season, and this just shows our resilience.”

The Mariners eliminated the Tigers after a grueling series that showcased both teams’ determination. Seattle’s pitching staff held strong throughout the marathon, while the Tigers fought valiantly to stay in the game.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays also advanced to the LCS earlier this week, defeating the New York Yankees in four games. The Blue Jays are eyeing their first World Series appearance since 1993.

In other playoff news, the National League Division Series is heating up. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are vying for their own spots in the NL Championship Series. Their matchup will determine one of the final two teams left competing for the prestigious title.

The Mariners’ next challenge awaits as they prepare to face the Blue Jays in the ALCS starting next week.