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During an intense 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

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

Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point 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 homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.