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During an intense 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

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

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

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

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.