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Through a gripping extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow 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, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.

The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.