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During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

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

The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.