🔗 Share this article Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years Through a gripping extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. Decisive Plays in the Extended Game Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades. The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Breakthrough JP Crawford initiated the final half of the 15th with a sharp hit to the outfield. Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second. After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to advance. Following an strategic base on balls, the batter connected on a full count to end the contest. Key Runs and Pitching Efforts A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames. The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single. Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings. Starting Pitchers Duel The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames. The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with back-to-back K's. The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners. Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage. The starter went over five frames and was charged with a single score on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts. The win signifies a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.