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In a dramatic extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit 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 Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning.

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

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

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.

The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and several K's.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.