Photo: Stephen Brashear ~ Imagn Images
DETROIT, Oct. 11, 2025 ~ In a game that felt more like a war of attrition than a baseball contest, the Seattle Mariners edged out the Detroit Tigers, 3-2, in a dramatic 15-inning Game 5 showdown at T-Mobile Park, punching their ticket to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2001. Second baseman Jorge Polanco played the hero, delivering a walk-off single with the bases loaded to end a marathon that featured 15 pitchers, 36 strikeouts and countless missed opportunities.
Detroit ace Tarik Skubal was electric, striking out 13 Mariners and allowing just two hits over six innings. His fastball routinely touched triple digits, and at one point, he set a postseason record with seven consecutive strikeouts. Right fielder Kerry Carpenter gave the Tigers a brief lead in the sixth with a two-run homer, but Seattle clawed back in the seventh thanks to a clutch RBI single from designated hitter Leo Rivas. From there, the bullpens took over, and both teams traded zeros deep into the night.
PODCAST:
October 10, 2025 ~ Today is the day. Game five of the ALDS, win or go home for the Detroit Tigers and Tarik Skubal will take the mound. Anthony and Ryan preview the game against the Seattle Mariners and give their predictions and see if the Tigers will move on to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS.
(CONTINUED) The Tigers had their chance in the 12th inning, loading the bases with one out. But a broken-bat grounder from shortstop Javier Báez led to a force out at home, and second baseman Gleyber Torres flied out to end the threat. Detroit manager A.J. Hinch was forced to dig deep into his bullpen, even calling on rookie Troy Melton and veteran Jack Flaherty in relief. Both held their own, but the Tigers couldn’t capitalize offensively, going 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
Seattle’s resilience was on full display. Logan Gilbert, typically a starter, threw two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, and Luis Castillo closed the door in the top of the 15th. Then came the final blow: with the bases loaded and one out, Polanco lined a single to right, sending the Mariners into a frenzy and the Tigers into heartbreak.
For Detroit, the loss marks another bitter Game 5 exit, echoing last year’s heartbreak. Despite Skubal’s brilliance and a gutsy postseason run, the Tigers’ season ends just short of the ALCS. Meanwhile, the Mariners move on to face the Toronto Blue Jays, riding the momentum of one of the most unforgettable games in recent playoff history.
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