🔗 Share this article Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to AL Championship Series in Over Two Decades In a dramatic extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder drove in the winning run with a single to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. Decisive Plays in the Extended Game The Mariners pitcher, delivering his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to secure the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades. Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the championship in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a sharp hit to right field. Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second. After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance. Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the contest. Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit. Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in overtime, with the Mariners hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings. Opening Hurlers Duel The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames. The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's. His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners. Kirby began with shutout frames before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand the visitors the advantage. The starter went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts. This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a place in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.