🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Outlast Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS. Decisive Plays in the Extended Game Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, threw 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 face the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Game-Winning Sequence JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield. Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on first and second. After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to advance. Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest. Key Runs and Pitching Efforts A Tigers hitter accounted for all of Detroit's scoring with a home run in the middle frames. Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit. Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th. Starting Pitchers Battle The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames. Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts. The only run came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the home side. Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the lead. The starter lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on three hits with no walks and several K's. This victory signifies a significant milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended playoff drought.