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Through a gripping extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.

Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.