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In a dramatic extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending 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. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

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

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.

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