🔗 Share this article Mariners Defeat Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Showdown to Advance to First ALCS in 24 Years Through a gripping extra-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series. Key Moments in the Extended Matchup The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to earn the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion since 2001. Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. Final Inning Game-Winning Sequence JP Crawford initiated 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 the bases. After Cal Raleigh flied out, a throwing error by the center fielder let Crawford to take third. Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the game. Key Runs and Defensive Efforts A Tigers hitter provided all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames. Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit. Each squad posed a danger multiple times in overtime, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th. Starting Pitchers Duel Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings. Skubal, a Cy Young Award favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He established a postseason record with back-to-back K's. His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly brought home a run 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 pitch to hand the visitors the lead. The starter lasted five-plus innings and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with no walks and six strikeouts. The win signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.