🔗 Share this article Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades During an intense extra-inning battle, Jorge Polanco drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS. Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001. The Mariners will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home. Final Inning Breakthrough JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield. Another batter was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases. After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to take third. Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to end the game. Key Runs and Pitching Efforts A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning. Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit. Each squad threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings. Opening Hurlers Battle The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames. The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts. His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners. Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage. The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's. The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.