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In a dramatic extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered 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.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

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

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.