When Seattle Mariners clinched a 3‑2 win over the Detroit Tigers in a 15‑inning marathon on October 5, 2025, the baseball world held its breath for nearly five hours.
The showdown unfolded at T‑Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, and it wasn’t just any game – it was 2025 ALDS Game 5Seattle, the longest winner‑take‑all postseason contest in MLB history.
Mariners' Marathon Victory
The bottom of the 15th delivered the drama fans live‑tweeted for weeks. Jorge Polanco, second baseman for the Mariners, ripped a bases‑loaded single off Tigers’ reliever Tommy Kahnle, relief pitcher. The hit sent shortstop J.P. Crawford home for the decisive run.
It was a moment that felt like a storybook ending: after 14 innings of deadlock, the Mariners finally broke through, advancing to the ALCS for the first time since 1999.
Game Flow and Key Plays
Early on, Tigers left‑hander Tarik Skubal, starting pitcher set a postseason record with seven straight strikeouts, silencing the Seattle crowd. Yet Detroit’s offense found life in the sixth when outfielder Kerry Carpenter launched a two‑run homer off Mariners’ left‑hand reliever Gabe Speier.
Seattle’s manager Scott Servais, manager chose to leave starter Logan Gilbert, starting pitcher in the game despite a looming bullpen, a gamble that backfired when Carpenter’s blast narrowed the lead.
From there, the duel turned into a pitching showcase: both clubs combined for 15 pitchers, 37 strikeouts, and a staggering 472 total pitches. Fifteen runners reached base before Polanco’s heroics, underscoring how razor‑thin the margin truly was.
Managerial Decisions and Pitching Duel
Servais’s decision to keep Gilbert on the mound drew criticism, but he later defended it by pointing to the starter’s stamina – Gilbert logged 106 pitches before handing the ball to the bullpen.
Across the diamond, Tigers’ skipper A.J. Hinch, manager cycled his relievers with surgical precision. Yet the fatigue factor was palpable; by the 13th inning, each side was scraping the bottom of the roster.
“We knew we were in for a battle of attrition,” Hinch said post‑game. “Every pitch mattered, and those who stayed focused got the reward.”
What This Means for Seattle and Detroit
For Seattle, the win is more than a ticket to the ALCS – it’s a validation of a rebuilding strategy that began with the acquisition of Polanco in 2023 and the emergence of catcher Cal Raleigh, catcher. Raleigh, known for his power and flamboyant celebrations, capped the night by raising a champagne bottle in the clubhouse, shouting “I need one!” after the victory.
Detroit, on the other hand, faces a bitter end to a roller‑coaster season. The Tigers entered the postseason with the best record at the All‑Star break but stumbled in September, losing the AL Central by a single game. Their wild‑card triumph in Cleveland kept hopes alive, only to see them fall short again in Game 5.
Analysts note that the Tigers' collapse mirrors the 2024 ALDS loss, suggesting a pattern of choking in high‑pressure situations. “There’s a psychological hurdle that the club hasn’t cleared yet,” said baseball analyst Maria Alvarez of ESPN.
Looking Ahead to the ALCS
Seattle now prepares to meet the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on October 8, 2025. The Mariners will head out as road‑team underdogs, but the momentum from the marathon win could prove decisive.
The Blue Jays, fresh off a 4‑2 series victory over the Houston Astros, boast a potent lineup featuring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and a deep bullpen. The upcoming series promises a clash of contrasting styles: Seattle’s gritty, small‑ball approach versus Toronto’s power‑heavy offense.
If the Mariners can replicate the resilience displayed in Game 5, they may finally break the 24‑year ALCS drought that has haunted the franchise since their 1999 appearance.
Historical Context
- Longest winner‑take‑all postseason game: 4 hours 58 minutes (previous record 4 hours 34 minutes, 2005 NLDS).
- First ALCS for Seattle since 1999.
- Second straight year Detroit loses Game 5 after leading series.
- Mariners’ 15 pitchers tied the modern‑era record for most pitchers in a postseason game.
- Skubal’s seven consecutive strikeouts set an MLB postseason record for a single pitcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this marathon win affect Seattle’s chances in the ALCS?
The victory gives the Mariners a confidence boost and proves their bullpen can handle extreme workloads. However, the ALCS will test depth, especially against Toronto’s heavy‑weight lineup, so while morale spikes, strategic adjustments remain crucial.
What record did Tarik Skubal set during the game?
Skubal recorded seven strikeouts in a row, the most consecutive strikeouts in a single MLB postseason appearance, surpassing the previous mark of six.
Why did the Tigers lose despite leading the series earlier?
Detroit’s September collapse cost them the AL Central, and despite a wild‑card surge, their pitching staff ran thin in the extended Game 5. Missed opportunities in key innings, such as the sixth‑inning home run, also tipped the scales.
When is the first ALCS game scheduled and where?
Game 1 of the ALCS is set for Tuesday, October 8, 2025, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario.
What does this game mean for the future of the Tigers franchise?
The loss highlights the need for deeper pitching depth and mental resilience in high‑stakes games. Management may prioritize acquiring veteran relievers and sports‑psychology resources ahead of the 2026 season.
