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Through a gripping extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major 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.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

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

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.

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