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During an intense 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching 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 Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

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

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

Opening Hurlers Duel

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

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.