đź”— Share this article Mariners Edge Detroit Tigers in Record-Breaking 15-Inning Thriller to Advance to First ALCS in Over Two Decades Through a gripping 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a single to the outfield, 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 Marathon Matchup The Mariners pitcher, making his first relief appearance in the major leagues, threw over an inning to secure the win, propelling his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001. Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between 1977 expansion brethren. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday in the Blue Jays' home. 15th Inning Breakthrough The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field. Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing runners on first and second. After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to advance. Following an intentional walk, Polanco singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest. Key Runs and Pitching Efforts Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames. The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit. Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings. Opening Hurlers Battle The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter engaged in a pitchers' duel in the opening frames. Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with zero bases on balls and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's. His sole allowed score came in the second inning, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly brought home a run for the Mariners. The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead. Kirby lasted over five frames and was charged with a single score on a few hits with no walks and several K's. The win marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to compete for a place in the championship after a long playoff drought.