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Through a gripping 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.