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Through a gripping extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

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 players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

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

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.