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Through a gripping extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

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

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter started 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 Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

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

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.