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During an intense extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, sending 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 contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.

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

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

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts 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 double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.