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During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

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

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

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

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.