🔗 Share this article

During an intense extra-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

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

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

Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.