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During an intense 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances

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

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

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.