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Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

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

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

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

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

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.

Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.