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In a dramatic 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances

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

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad threatened repeatedly 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 pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.

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

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