Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

During an intense 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to end the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

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

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

Both teams threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory signifies a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.