Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion since 2001.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases.
• After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a fastball to hand the visitors the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.