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During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team 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 one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

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

The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

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

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

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