🔗 Share this article Mariners Outlast Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades In a dramatic 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS. Key Moments in the Extended Game The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades. The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field. Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases. After a teammate flied out, a throwing error by the outfielder let Crawford to advance. Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game. Key Runs and Defensive Efforts Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the sixth inning. The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit. Both teams threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings. Starting Pitchers Battle The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings. Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's. His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners. Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage. Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts. This victory marks a major milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a long postseason absence.