Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Move On to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

Through a gripping extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Matchup

Luis Castillo, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. Game 1 is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to end the contest.

Key Runs and Defensive Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's scoring with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the later inning on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad threatened repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team grounding into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Starting Pitchers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a low-scoring battle in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls 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 double, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give Detroit the advantage.

The starter lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

This victory marks a major achievement for the Mariners, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long playoff drought.