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In a dramatic extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford 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 the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.

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

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a run for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand Detroit the lead.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few 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 place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.