In a dramatic 15-inning contest, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.
Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.
Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.
Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense 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 RBI single.
Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.
The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.
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 established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.
The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a point for the home side.
The Mariners' pitcher opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter 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 no walks and six strikeouts.
The win marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.
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