Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners: Historic 15-Inning ALDS Game 5 Thriller

In what will be remembered as one of the greatest postseason games in MLB history, the Seattle Mariners defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in a marathon 15-inning ALDS Game 5 thriller at T-Mobile Park. This winner-take-all showdown became the longest elimination game in MLB playoff history, lasting 4 hours and 58 minutes of pure baseball drama.

Table of Contents

• Game Recap: 15 Innings of Drama
• Tarik Skubal's Record-Breaking Performance
• Key Moments That Defined the Game
• Mariners Advance to First ALCS Since 2001
• Statistical Highlights and Records
• Frequently Asked Questions

Game Recap: Tigers vs Mariners Epic Battle

The Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners Game 5 matchup delivered everything fans could hope for in a decisive playoff game. What started as a pitchers' duel between Tarik Skubal and George Kirby evolved into an endurance test that pushed both teams to their absolute limits.

The game remained scoreless until the second inning when Mitch Garver's sacrifice fly gave Seattle an early 1-0 lead. However, the Tigers answered back in dramatic fashion during the sixth inning, thanks to Kerry Carpenter's clutch two-run homer that put Detroit ahead 2-1.

The Turning Point

Seattle's fortune changed in the seventh inning when Leo Rivas, celebrating his 28th birthday, delivered a game-tying single off Tyler Holton. This clutch hit sent T-Mobile Park into a frenzy and set the stage for eight additional innings of scoreless baseball.

Tarik Skubal's Dominant Pitching Display

Tarik Skubal's performance in this Tigers vs Mariners elimination game will be remembered as one of the finest pitching displays in postseason history. The Tigers ace struck out 13 batters, setting a new record for most strikeouts in a winner-take-all playoff game.

Even more impressive was Skubal's streak of seven consecutive strikeouts spanning from the second to fourth innings, establishing a new postseason record. Despite allowing only two hits and no walks over six innings, Skubal couldn't secure the victory for Detroit as the Tigers' offense managed just four hits from the rest of the lineup.

Key Moments That Shaped the Outcome

Kerry Carpenter's Heroic Performance

Kerry Carpenter emerged as the Tigers' offensive catalyst, going 4-for-5 with two walks and becoming the first player since Babe Ruth in 1926 to reach base five times and hit a home run in a decisive playoff game. His two-run homer off Gabe Speier gave Detroit a crucial 2-1 lead in the sixth inning.

Managerial Chess Match

The strategic decisions by both A.J. Hinch and Dan Wilson played crucial roles in the game's development. Wilson's decision to pull George Kirby after just 66 pitches proved costly when Carpenter homered off reliever Gabe Speier. However, Wilson's tactical use of Leo Rivas as a pinch-hitter perfectly countered Hinch's bullpen moves.

Extra Innings Drama

Both teams had numerous opportunities to end the game in regulation and extra innings. The Tigers intentionally walked Carpenter to load the bases in the 11th inning but escaped when Gleyber Torres flew out. The game featured exceptional relief pitching from both sides, with starters Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, Keider Montero, and Jack Flaherty all making appearances from the bullpen.

Seattle Mariners Reach ALCS After 24-Year Wait

Jorge Polanco's walk-off single in the 15th inning sent the Seattle Mariners to the ALCS for the first time since 2001. The dramatic finish capped off a remarkable comeback season for Seattle, who now advance to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series.

This victory represents a monumental achievement for the Mariners franchise, which remains MLB's only team never to reach the World Series. The Mariners' advancement to the ALCS marks just the fourth time in franchise history they've reached this stage, joining the memorable seasons of 1995, 2000, and 2001.

Statistical Highlights and Records Set

• Longest winner-take-all game: 15 innings (previous record was 12 innings)
• Game duration: 4 hours and 58 minutes
• Tarik Skubal strikeouts: 13 (record for winner-take-all games)
• Consecutive strikeouts record: 7 straight by Skubal
• Runners left on base: 22 combined between both teams
• Kerry Carpenter: First player since Babe Ruth (1926) to reach base 5 times with a HR in decisive playoff game

Frequently Asked Questions

How long was the Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners Game 5?

The game lasted 15 innings and took 4 hours and 58 minutes to complete, making it the longest winner-take-all game in MLB postseason history.

Who won the Tigers vs Mariners ALDS series?

The Seattle Mariners won the series 4-1, advancing to their first ALCS since 2001 after defeating the Tigers 3-2 in the decisive Game 5.

What records did Tarik Skubal set in Game 5?

Skubal set two postseason records: most strikeouts in a winner-take-all game (13) and most consecutive strikeouts in playoff history (7 straight).

When do the Mariners play next in the ALCS?

The Mariners will face the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday as the road team in Toronto.

Who hit the game-winning hit for Seattle?

Jorge Polanco delivered the walk-off single in the bottom of the 15th inning to give the Mariners their 3-2 victory.

The Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners Game 5 will be remembered as a classic example of playoff baseball at its finest. While the Tigers' season ends in heartbreak despite exceptional performances from Skubal and Carpenter, the Mariners' historic victory propels them one step closer to their elusive first World Series appearance. This 15-inning marathon showcased everything that makes October baseball magical: outstanding pitching, clutch hitting, strategic management, and pure determination from both teams.