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In a dramatic 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

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

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to advance.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.