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Through a gripping 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

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

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.