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During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

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

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.

The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.