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In a dramatic 15-inning clash, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a narrow victory for the Seattle Mariners over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, making his initial bullpen outing in the major leagues, pitched one and one-third innings to earn the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the initial occasion in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Toronto for the championship in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for the weekend in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• JP Crawford initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Another batter was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.
• After Cal Raleigh made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, Polanco singled on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

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 substitute batter's RBI single.

Both teams threatened multiple times in extra innings, with the Mariners grounding into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

Skubal, a pitching honor contender, gave up a single score on a couple of hits with zero bases on balls 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 sacrifice fly brought home a point for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before allowing a early hit in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter homered on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was responsible for one run on a few hits with zero free passes and several K's.

The win marks a significant achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to battle for a place in the championship after a extended postseason absence.