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Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

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

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, 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 middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and several K's.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.