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Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

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

Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

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

The Mariners' pitcher 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 hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.