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During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

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

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.