Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Record-Breaking Extra-Inning Thriller to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

During an intense extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford started the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to conclude the game.

Scoring Highlights and Defensive Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a home run in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give the visitors the lead.

Kirby went over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.