🔗 Share this article

During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter'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.

Starting Pitchers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.