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

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

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

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.

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

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.