🔗 Share this article Mariners Edge Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001. Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto. Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field. Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases. After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance. Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest. Scoring Highlights and Defensive Performances Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames. Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit. Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th. Starting Pitchers Duel The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames. Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's. The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners. Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead. Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with zero free passes and several K's. The win marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a spot in the championship after a extended postseason absence.