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Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

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

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

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly 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 pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.

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

Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

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