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In a dramatic 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major 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 Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

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

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.

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

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long postseason absence.