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Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the lead.

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

This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.