🔗 Share this article Seattle Mariners Edge Tigers in Historic Extra-Inning Showdown to Move On to First ALCS in 24 Years In a dramatic 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, sealing a 3-2 victory for the home team over the Detroit Tigers in the decisive game of the ALDS. Key Moments in the Extended Matchup The Mariners pitcher, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, propelling his team to the ALCS for the first time since 2001. Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto. 15th Inning Breakthrough JP Crawford started the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field. Another batter was struck by a throw, putting runners on the bases. After Cal Raleigh made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder let the runner to take third. Following an intentional walk, Polanco connected on a full count to conclude the game. Key Runs and Defensive Performances Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of Detroit's offense with a two-run homer in the middle frames. Seattle evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit. Both teams threatened repeatedly in overtime, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the later extra innings. Starting Pitchers Battle The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings. The left-hander, a pitching honor contender, allowed one run on two hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts. The only run came in the second inning, when a double, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners. Kirby opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the advantage. Kirby lasted over five frames and was responsible for a single score on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's. The win signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.