Mariners Advance to ALCS After Historic 15-Inning ALDS Ga...

The Seattle Mariners clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers in a record-setting 15-inning American League Division Series (ALDS) Game 5 on Friday, October 10, 2025, at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Jorge Polanco delivered the walk-off single, sending the Mariners to their first American League Championship Series in 24 years. This winner-take-all contest, broadcast live on FOX at 8:08 p.m. ET, became the longest winner-take-all postseason game in baseball history, captivating fans with its intense pitching duel and late-game heroics.

The decisive Game 5 saw a highly anticipated pitching matchup between Detroit's ace, Tarik Skubal, and Seattle's George Kirby. Despite Skubal's Cy Young-caliber season, the Mariners had historically found success against him, including a win earlier in this series. The Tigers, fresh off a 9-3 comeback victory in Game 4 that forced the rubber match, aimed to capitalize on their momentum. However, Seattle's strategic bullpen usage, featuring potential relief from Luis Castillo, was expected to play a crucial role in managing Detroit's offense.

Betting analysts widely covered the high-stakes encounter, with various predictions circulating ahead of the first pitch. The Detroit Tigers were generally favored on the moneyline, ranging from -120 to -135, while the Mariners were seen as underdogs at +100 to +120. The game's over/under was set around 6 runs, reflecting expectations for a tight, low-scoring affair.

Expert picks from outlets like Action Network, FOX Sports, and Pickswise offered insights into run lines, totals, and player props, highlighting the significance of pitching matchups and recent offensive trends.

Ultimately, the Mariners defied some predictions, securing their ALCS berth against the Toronto Blue Jays. The marathon game showcased exceptional defensive plays and clutch hitting, culminating in Polanco's game-winning hit off Detroit's Tommy Kahnle. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Seattle franchise, ending a long drought without an ALCS appearance and igniting celebrations across the Pacific Northwest.

**Series Background and Stakes:** The Detroit Tigers forced the decisive Game 5 after a significant 9-3 comeback victory in Game 4, leveling the best-of-five ALDS at two games apiece. This set up a winner-take-all scenario, with the victor advancing to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series, marking a critical juncture for both franchises.
**Key Pitching Matchup:** The game featured a marquee pitching duel between Detroit's Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, and Seattle's George Kirby. Skubal, despite his dominant season, had a challenging track record against the Mariners in 2025, including two regular-season losses and a Game 2 defeat in which Jorge Polanco hit two home runs off him.
**Mariners' Pitching Strategy:** Seattle's strategy involved starting George Kirby, who had pitched effectively in Game 1, and having ace Luis Castillo available out of the bullpen for high-leverage situations. This "all hands on deck" approach aimed to neutralize Detroit's offense and leverage the Mariners' pitching depth in the critical elimination game.
**Betting Odds and Expert Consensus:** Prior to the game, the Detroit Tigers were generally favored on the moneyline, with odds around -120 to -135, while the Seattle Mariners were listed as underdogs at +100 to +120. The over/under for total runs was consistently set at 6, with many experts leaning towards the Mariners covering the spread and the game going over the total.
**Offensive Performances and Player Insights:** Key offensive players for the Tigers included Riley Greene, who had been crucial in their wins, and Spencer Torkelson, who showed recent form. For the Mariners, Cal Raleigh led the team in home runs and RBIs during the season and was batting over .400 in the ALDS, while Jorge Polanco had a history of success against Skubal.
**Historic Outcome:** The game extended to 15 innings, becoming the longest winner-take-all postseason game in baseball history. Jorge Polanco's walk-off single in the bottom of the 15th inning secured a 3-2 victory for the Mariners, propelling them to the ALCS for the first time since 2001 and ending a significant postseason drought for the franchise.
**Impact on ALCS Matchup:** With their victory, the Seattle Mariners advanced to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. This outcome set the stage for an exciting ALCS, with both teams vying for a spot in the World Series.
**Fan Engagement and Atmosphere:** The electric atmosphere at T-Mobile Park, with 47,025 fans in attendance, underscored the high stakes and emotional investment in the game. The dramatic conclusion, featuring a walk-off hit in extra innings, created an unforgettable experience for the home crowd and will be remembered as a classic moment in Mariners' history.