Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to AL Championship Series in 24 Years

Through a gripping extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to right field, clinching a narrow victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Decisive Plays in the Marathon Matchup

The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, threw one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

The Mariners will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the outfielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco connected on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

A Tigers hitter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the sixth inning.

Seattle tied it at 2-2 in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the home team grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings.

Opening Hurlers Duel

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a low-scoring battle in the opening frames.

The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and deep out brought home a run for the Mariners.

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

Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory signifies a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.