🔗 Share this article

Through a gripping extra-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the winning run with a base hit to right field, sealing a narrow victory for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Decisive Plays in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, 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 initial occasion since 2001.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in the Blue Jays' home.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the last inning with a line-drive single to right field.
• Another batter was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After a teammate made an out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to end the game.

Key Runs and Defensive Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners tied it at two runs apiece in the later inning on a pinch hitter's RBI single.

Each squad threatened multiple times in overtime, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the later extra innings.

Starting Pitchers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with zero bases on balls and 13 strikeouts over six innings. He set a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

The only run came in the early going, when a double, stolen base, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the home side.

The Mariners' pitcher began with five scoreless innings before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a bullpen move, Carpenter went deep on a pitch to give the visitors the advantage.

Kirby went five-plus innings and was charged with one run on a few hits with no walks and several K's.

The win signifies a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a place in the World Series after a long postseason absence.