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Through a gripping 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

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

Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the advantage.

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

This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.