Seattle Mariners Outlast Detroit Tigers in 15-Inning ALDS Battle/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Seattle Mariners edged out the Detroit Tigers in a marathon 15-inning game, winning 3-2 and advancing to their first AL Championship Series since 2001. Jorge Polanco’s walk-off single capped off a dramatic, nearly five-hour showdown in Seattle. The Mariners now face the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS.
ALCS Bound: Mariners-Tigers ALDS Game 5 Quick Looks
- Final Score: Mariners 3, Tigers 2 (15 innings)
- Hero Moment: Jorge Polanco’s walk-off RBI single in 15th
- Game Duration: 4 hours, 58 minutes – longest winner-take-all game in MLB postseason history
- Pivotal Hit: J.P. Crawford scored the winning run after leadoff single
- Pitch Count: A staggering 472 total pitches thrown
- Seattle’s ALCS Return: First appearance since 2001
- Pitching Heroes: Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert pitched in relief for Mariners
- Tigers’ Tough Loss: Tarik Skubal struck out 13, Kerry Carpenter reached base 5 times
- Next Opponent: Toronto Blue Jays (Game 1 in Toronto, Sunday night)
Mariners Walk Off in 15th, Eliminate Tigers to Reach ALCS: Deep Look
SEATTLE — In one of the most dramatic and grueling postseason games in MLB history, Jorge Polanco delivered a walk-off single in the 15th inning, sending the Seattle Mariners past the Detroit Tigers with a 3-2 victory in Game 5 of the AL Division Series on Friday night.
The victory, sealed nearly five hours after first pitch, sends the Mariners to their first American League Championship Series appearance since 2001.
With one out and the bases loaded, Polanco connected on a full-count changeup from reliever Tommy Kahnle, driving a liner into right field that scored J.P. Crawford and sparked pandemonium at T-Mobile Park, where over 47,000 fans roared in celebration.
“I know we played a long game, but this team never gave up,” Polanco said after the game. “I was just trying to stay simple and do my job.”
A Record-Breaking, Nerve-Shredding Classic
The 15-inning epic marked the longest winner-take-all game in postseason history and the third one-run game of the series — each finishing with the same 3-2 scoreline.
Crawford led off the decisive frame with a single, Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, and Julio Rodríguez was intentionally walked to load the bases. On the 472nd pitch of the game, Polanco ended the marathon with a clean hit to right.
“It was an incredible ballgame from top to bottom,” said Mariners manager Dan Wilson. “Grit, composure, belief — we had it all.”
Mariners Bullpen Shines in Extras
Seattle leaned on their starting rotation in relief roles, with Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert stepping up in critical moments.
- Castillo earned the win, pitching 1⅓ innings in his first career MLB relief outing.
- Gilbert, also a starter, threw two clean innings — his first relief appearance since college.
“It was such a tough night,” said catcher Cal Raleigh. “Everyone was all-in for the team.”
Tigers’ Effort Falls Just Short
Detroit’s Tarik Skubal was brilliant in his six innings, striking out 13 and allowing just one run. Kerry Carpenter was a force at the plate, with four hits, a walk, and a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
“Somebody had to lose, and unfortunately that was us,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “It hurts.”
Carpenter joined Babe Ruth (1926) as the only players in MLB postseason history to reach base five times and hit a homer in a winner-take-all game, according to STATS.
Key Moments in Extra Innings
- Seattle stranded runners on second with no outs in the 10th, 12th, and 13th innings
- Detroit’s Dillon Dingler doubled in the 14th but was left stranded
- In the 12th, Zach McKinstry was thrown out at home trying to score on a grounder
- Mariners finally capitalized in the 15th after 12 runners left on base
Birthday Heroics
Seattle’s Leo Rivas, celebrating his 28th birthday, delivered the game-tying RBI single in the 7th inning — his first postseason hit.
“He was up to the task tonight,” said Wilson. “Huge hit, huge moment.”
Next Up: ALCS Clash with Toronto Blue Jays
Seattle now shifts its focus to the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays, with Game 1 set for Sunday night in Toronto. The Mariners went 2-4 against the Blue Jays during the regular season.
- Won 2 of 3 in April at Toronto
- Swept by Blue Jays at home in May
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