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In a dramatic extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling 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 the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for 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 RBI single.

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.