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During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle 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 home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award 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 seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out scored a run for the home side.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the advantage.

Kirby went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.