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During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls 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 early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.