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In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco delivered the winning run with a single to right field, 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, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena 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 intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few 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 World Series after a extended postseason absence.