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During an intense 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

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

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.

The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.