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Through a gripping extra-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series 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 Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

A Tigers hitter provided 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 RBI single.

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.