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During an intense 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching 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 Game

The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001.

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

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

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

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

Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

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.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage.

The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.