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In a dramatic extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

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

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

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

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

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.

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

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.