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Through a gripping extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

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

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark 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 Mariners.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.