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Through a gripping 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at two runs apiece in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.