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Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering 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 first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

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

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

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

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.

The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.