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During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

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

Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.

The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.