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Through a gripping 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered 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.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, 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 contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

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

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.