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During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

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

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

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

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

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the early going, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.

The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

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