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During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

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

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

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

The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.