🔗 Share this article

In a dramatic extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS 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 scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a point for the home side.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.

The starter went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's.

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