🔗 Share this article Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades During an intense extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS. Key Moments in the Extended Matchup The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades. The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence JP Crawford initiated 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 throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to advance. Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest. Key Runs and Pitching Efforts Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames. The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's RBI single. Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings. Starting Pitchers Battle Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames. The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two 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 occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and deep out scored a run for the Mariners. The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the lead. Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.