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During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

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

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

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

Starting Pitchers Duel

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

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.