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Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

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

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.