🔗 Share this article Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years Through a gripping 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS. Key Moments in the Marathon Game Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001. Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion counterparts. Game 1 is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Breakthrough JP Crawford initiated the bottom of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield. Another batter was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second. After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed Crawford to take third. Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a full count to conclude the game. Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the sixth inning. Seattle tied it 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 grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings. Starting Pitchers Duel Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings. Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts. His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side. The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered 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 no walks and six strikeouts. This victory signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.