🔗 Share this article Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years During an intense 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS. Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to earn the victory, 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 franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Breakthrough JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield. Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players 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, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest. Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning. The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit. Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings. Opening Hurlers Battle Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames. The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's. His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the home side. Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead. The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's. This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.