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In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

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