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Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

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

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the lead.

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 significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.