🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years Through a gripping 15-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS. Decisive Plays in the Extended Game Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades. The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto. Final Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field. Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases. After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance. Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the contest. Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames. Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single. Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th. Starting Pitchers Duel Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings. Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts. His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and deep out scored a point for the home side. The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead. The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's. This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.