When Seattle Mariners edged out the Detroit Tigers 3‑2 in a marathon 15‑inning showdown, the city of Seattle erupted at T‑Mobile Park on Friday night.
The clash, officially Game 5 of the American League Division SeriesSeattle, Washington, marked the longest winner‑take‑all postseason game in MLB history. It started at 5:08 p.m. PT and didn’t wrap up until 12:30 a.m. PT the next morning, a total of roughly five hours and two minutes.
Historic length and immediate impact
That’s 15 innings of nonstop drama, a stretch that eclipsed the previous record by two frames. Fans watching on the big‑screen in the stadium and millions at home experienced every swing, every strikeout, and that final walk‑off single like a roller‑coaster that refused to stop.
- Final score: Mariners 3, Tigers 2
- Innings played: 15 (longest winner‑take‑all ALDS game)
- Game duration: 5 hours 2 minutes
- Winning run scored at 12:30 a.m. PT
Pitching duel and pivotal moments
The opening act featured George Kirby, the 26‑year‑old right‑hander who went 14‑8 in the regular season, matching up against 28‑year‑old lefty Tarik Skubal. Skubal etched his name in the record books by fanning seven batters in a row – a postseason first – after a sacrifice fly by catcher Mitch Garver gave Detroit its opening run.
The Tigers stretched the lead to 2‑0 in the sixth when outfielder Kerry Carpenter launched a two‑run homer off left‑handed reliever Gabe Speier. Seattle answered in the seventh, tying it at 2‑2 on a clutch single by Jorge Polanco (first mention includes markup).
When the game slipped into extra innings, both benches went into overdrive. Detroit’s Will Vest struck out pinch‑hitter Leo Rias to force the 10th, while Seattle’s Andres Munoz logged 45 pitches over 3.1 innings, keeping the bullpen humming.
The decisive 15th‑inning rally began when Victor Robles doubled, sending J.P. Crawford to third. A single from Jorge Polanco brought Crawford home, sealing the win.
Manager reactions and team emotions
Detroit manager A.J. Hinch was blunt after the final out: “We were seven outs away from victory before enduring a marathon… This one’s going to sting for a while, but I’m proud of how our guys fought.” Across the baseline, Seattle skipper Scott Servais smiled, “This is what baseball is all about – the drama, the tension, the resilience. Our guys never quit when the odds were against us.”
In the owners’ box, Mariners’ president John Stanton and CEO Henry Dickerson shared a quick hug, a silent acknowledgment of a 24‑year wait finally over.
What the win means for the ALCS
Seattle now rides a wave of momentum into the American League Championship Series, set to begin on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Their next opponent will be the winner of the New York Yankees‑Cleveland Guardians ALDS, a matchup that could pit the Mariners against the 2025 World Series champions.
For Detroit, the loss caps a season that started with the league’s best record at the All‑Star break, only to collapse in September. The Tigers will head back to the clubhouse with a wildcard berth in the books but no postseason future.
Background: Mariners’ long‑awaited return
The last time Seattle advanced past a Division Series was in 2001, when they fell to the New York Yankees in the ALCS. Since then, the franchise has endured a 24‑year drought without a series victory, despite occasional playoff appearances in 2004, 2014, and 2022.
John Stanton, the team’s managing partner, has overseen a rebuilding strategy that emphasized home‑grown talent and smart free‑agent signings. The 2025 roster, highlighted by a strong starting rotation and a gritty middle‑order, finally delivered a championship‑caliber performance.
Meanwhile, the Tigers, under the leadership of chairman and CEO Chris Ilitch, will reassess their roster ahead of the 2026 season, looking to translate the promise shown early this year into a deeper run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Seattle fans?
Seattle supporters finally get to celebrate a postseason series win after 24 years, reigniting citywide excitement and boosting ticket sales for the upcoming ALCS.
What were the key statistical highlights?
The game featured 7 consecutive strikeouts by Tarik Skubal, 15 innings played, a total duration of 5 hours 2 minutes, and a 3‑2 final score decided by a single in the 15th.
Who will the Mariners face in the ALCS?
Seattle will meet the winner of the New York Yankees‑Cleveland Guardians series, a clash that could determine the American League’s representative at the World Series.
What does this loss mean for the Tigers?
Detroit’s season ends abruptly, prompting front‑office discussions about roster tweaks, especially in the bullpen, as they aim to rebound for 2026.
When does the ALCS start?
The American League Championship Series is slated to kick off on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with Game 1 scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
