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In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

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

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

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

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

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

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.