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In a dramatic extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense 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 multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a extended playoff drought.