🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades In a dramatic extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS. Decisive Plays in the Extended Game Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades. Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto. 15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field. Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second. After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance. Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game. Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames. Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit. Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings. Starting Pitchers Duel The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings. The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's. The only run came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners. Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage. The starter went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's. This victory marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.