đź”— Share this article Seattle Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 win for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS. Decisive Plays in the Marathon Game Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades. Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. Final Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter started the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field. Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting players on the bases. After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third. Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the contest. Key Runs and Pitching Performances Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Seattle evened the score at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit. Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings. Opening Hurlers Battle The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the early innings. The left-hander, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts. His sole allowed score came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side. Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead. The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts. This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.