By Apploan Sports Desk
Published: October 11, 2025 | Updated: 9:40 AM ET
A Game for the Ages
The Seattle Mariners outlasted the Detroit Tigers in a 15-inning marathon, earning a 3–2 victory that sealed their place in the American League Championship Series (ALCS).
It was not just another postseason game — it became the longest elimination game in Major League Baseball playoff history, thrilling fans until the early hours in Seattle.
Jorge Polanco’s walk-off single brought a dramatic end to nearly five hours of tension, marking a storybook moment in Mariners’ postseason history.
Quick Summary
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Mariners 3 – Tigers 2 |
| Innings Played | 15 |
| Winning Pitcher | Andres Muñoz (SEA) |
| Losing Pitcher | Tommy Kahnle (DET) |
| Series Result | Mariners win ALDS, 3–2 |
How It Happened
The game began quietly but soon turned into a pitching showcase.
Josh Naylor opened the scoring for Seattle with a sacrifice fly in the 2nd inning, giving the home crowd early hope.
Detroit responded in the 6th, when Kerry Carpenter crushed a two-run homer off Logan Gilbert, pushing the Tigers ahead 2–1.
Moments later, Jorge Polanco tied it again with an RBI single, setting up a nail-biting sequence of extra innings.
From the 9th onward, both bullpens delivered one escape after another, as scoring chances came and went.
Finally, in the bottom of the 15th, Seattle loaded the bases. With two outs and the crowd on its feet, Polanco lined a sharp single into right-center field — sending Julio Rodríguez home and ending the Tigers’ dream run.
Standout Performances
Tarik Skubal (Tigers):
Detroit’s ace delivered a masterclass with 13 strikeouts over six innings, setting a new postseason record for strikeouts in a winner-take-all game. His precision and control kept Seattle silent for much of the night.
Jorge Polanco (Mariners):
The hero of the night. His clutch performance — a game-tying RBI and the series-winning walk-off — defined his playoff legacy.
Julio Rodríguez (Mariners):
Went 3-for-7 and scored the winning run. His energy fueled the team through extra innings.
A Night That Rewrote the Record Books
This victory marks Seattle’s first trip to the ALCS since 2001, breaking a 24-year drought.
The 15-inning contest now stands as the longest elimination game in ALDS history, showcasing both teams’ resilience and pitching depth.
Detroit, meanwhile, exits the postseason with heads held high. Their remarkable turnaround season, powered by young stars like Carpenter and Skubal, signals a bright future for the franchise.
Postgame Reactions
“I told the guys — games like this define who we are,” said Mariners manager Scott Servais.
“We just refused to quit.”
Tigers skipper A.J. Hinch reflected:
“It hurts right now, but I’m proud. Our guys gave everything they had.”
What’s Next
The Mariners will face the Toronto Blue Jays in the upcoming American League Championship Series, beginning Tuesday at T-Mobile Park.
Seattle will likely start Luis Castillo, while Toronto is expected to open with Kevin Gausman.
The Tigers, on the other hand, turn their attention to the offseason. With promising young arms and consistent offensive power, they’re well-positioned to contend again in 2026.
Key Stats
- 15 innings played — longest elimination game in MLB postseason history
- 27 total strikeouts between both teams
- 3-for-7: Julio Rodríguez’s offensive line
- 2 RBIs: Jorge Polanco
- 13 Ks: Tarik Skubal (Tigers)
Why This Game Matters
This epic showdown will be remembered not only for its length but for its heart — a game where neither team blinked for over five hours.
It showcased the best of playoff baseball: grit, emotion, and clutch heroics.
For Seattle, it’s redemption and revival.
For Detroit, it’s heartbreak with a hint of promise.
Either way, October 10, 2025, will go down as the night baseball fans witnessed something truly historic.
Related Topics
- Mariners ALCS Schedule 2025
- Tarik Skubal’s 13-Strikeout Record Explained
- Top 5 Longest MLB Postseason Games Ever
The Seattle Mariners defeated the Detroit Tigers 3–2 in a historic 15-inning ALDS Game 5 on October 10, 2025. Jorge Polanco’s walk-off hit sealed the longest elimination game in MLB history. Read full recap, stats, and analysis.
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