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In a dramatic 15-inning battle, the Mariners' infielder drove in the decisive score with a single to the outfield, clinching a narrow win 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 big leagues, threw over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now compete against the Toronto for the championship in a contest between franchise counterparts. The series opener is scheduled for the weekend in Toronto.

Final Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a sharp hit to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, placing players on first and second.
• After a teammate made an out, a throwing error by the center fielder allowed the runner to take third.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter singled on a 3-2 pitch to conclude the contest.

Key Runs and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter provided all of Detroit's offense with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the Mariners hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

Tarik Skubal and the Mariners' starter delivered a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

The left-hander, a Cy Young Award contender, gave up one run on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with seven consecutive strikeouts.

His sole allowed score occurred in the second inning, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a point for the Mariners.

Kirby began with five scoreless innings before allowing a lead-off double in the sixth. After a bullpen move, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to give the visitors the lead.

The starter lasted five-plus innings and was charged with a single score on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who move forward to battle for a place in the World Series after a extended postseason absence.