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During an intense extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

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

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

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

Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

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