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In a dramatic extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• 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, placing runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

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

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.