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During an intense extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory 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, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed 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

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

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

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established 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 brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.