Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

Through a gripping 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting runners on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed Crawford to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

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

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

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher began with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, Carpenter homered on a fastball to hand the visitors the lead.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

The win marks a significant achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.