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Through a gripping extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

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

Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.