Seattle Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades

In a dramatic extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a 3-2 victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Marathon Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners grounding into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, gave up one run 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 two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.

Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

The win signifies a major milestone for the Mariners, who advance to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long playoff drought.