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During an intense 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.

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

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.