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During an intense extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter 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 seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

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

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.

Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.