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In a dramatic extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• 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 provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.