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During an intense extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing 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 since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

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

The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Each squad threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

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

The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.

Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.