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During an intense extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco 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 American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.