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During an intense 15-inning contest, the Mariners' infielder delivered the decisive score with a base hit to right field, clinching a narrow win for the Seattle Mariners over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the ALDS.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, delivering his initial bullpen outing in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the ALCS for the first time in over two decades.

Seattle will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a showdown between franchise brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the final half of the 15th with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was struck by a throw, putting players on the bases.
• After Cal Raleigh flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder let the runner to advance.
• Following an intentional walk, the batter connected on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Performances

Kerry Carpenter accounted for all of the visitors' scoring with a two-run homer in the middle frames.

Seattle tied it at two runs apiece in the seventh on a pinch hitter's run-scoring hit.

Each squad posed a danger repeatedly in extra innings, with the home team hitting into twin killings in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Duel

Tarik Skubal and George Kirby delivered a pitchers' duel in the opening frames.

Skubal, a pitching honor favorite, allowed a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over multiple frames. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

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

Kirby opened with five scoreless innings before surrendering a early hit in the sixth. After a pitching change, the Tigers batter homered on a pitch to hand Detroit the lead.

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

This victory signifies a major achievement for the Mariners, who move forward to compete for a spot in the World Series after a extended playoff drought.