🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered 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. Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001. The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Breakthrough JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to right field. Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on the bases. After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to take third. Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest. Key Runs and Defensive Efforts Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the sixth inning. Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single. Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team 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 favorite, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts. The only run occurred in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners. The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage. Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's. The win marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the championship after a long playoff drought.