🔗 Share this article Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years In a dramatic 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS. Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001. Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to right field. Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second. After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance. Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the game. Key Runs and Defensive Performances Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit. Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th. Opening Hurlers Duel Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings. The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's. The only run occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side. The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage. The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts. The win signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.