Seattle Mariners Defeat Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in Over Two Decades

During an intense extra-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to the outfield, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the visiting squad in the decisive game of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, pitched over an inning to earn the win, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.

Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, placing players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' scoring 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 threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up one run on a couple of hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

His sole allowed score occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and deep out brought home a point for the home side.

Kirby opened with shutout frames before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage.

Kirby lasted five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory marks a major milestone for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.