🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades In a dramatic extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. Key Moments in the Extended Game Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades. The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto. 15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield. Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing runners on first and second. After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third. Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest. Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's 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. Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings. Starting Pitchers Battle The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames. Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's. The only run came in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side. Kirby began with shutout frames before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead. Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts. This victory signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.