Tigers-Mariners Game 5 Takeaways: Seattle Advances to ALCS in 15-Inning Thriller
Teh Seattle Mariners are heading to the American League Championship Series after a grueling 15-inning victory over the Detroit Tigers in game 5 of the ALDS on October 11, 2025.The game, a back-and-forth affair, ultimately ended with a score that reflected its length and intensity.
The Mariners’ victory wasn’t without strategic gambles and standout performances, while the Tigers saw a legendary October showing from veteran Justin Carpenter ultimately fall short.
Wilson’s Early Hook Backfires
Mariners manager scott Wilson made a controversial decision to remove starting pitcher Luis Kirby in the fifth inning, despite a relatively strong outing. This move came after Carpenter had previously hit a two-run homer off Kirby in Game 1. However, the change to a middle reliever, a pitcher Carpenter was familiar with, proved ineffective. The reliever surrendered a hit, continuing a pattern of struggles against the Tigers’ designated hitter.
Rivas’ Pinch-Hit Spark
Wilson demonstrated astute gamesmanship in the seventh inning. With Kyle Finnegan on the mound, Seattle initially signaled a batting change from Mitch Garver to Dom Canzone, anticipating a favorable matchup against a right-handed pitcher. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch responded by bringing in left-hander Tyler Holton. Wilson then countered again, substituting Canzone with Leo Rivas, a 5-foot-8 utility player celebrating his 28th birthday that day. Rivas, making his first appearance of the series, delivered a game-tying single to left field on Holton’s second pitch, igniting the Seattle crowd.
Carpenter’s October Brilliance, Limited by Support
Justin Carpenter continued to cement his reputation as a postseason performer. Facing Seattle left-hander Gabe Speier in the sixth inning, Carpenter – a player frequently enough pinch-hit for against lefties throughout his career - launched a two-run, go-ahead home run. He finished the night 4-for-5 with two walks, and his home run against Speier may rival his ALDS home run against Emmanuel Clase from the previous season as his most memorable October moment. Carpenter became the first player since Babe Ruth in Game 7 of the 1926 World Series to reach base five times and hit a home run in a decisive playoff game, according to OptaStats. Despite his exceptional performance, the rest of the Tigers lineup managed only four hits. The Mariners intentionally walked Carpenter with two outs in the 11th inning, but escaped the jam when Gleyber Torres flew out to right field.
Skubal’s dominant Outing Undone by Lack of Run Support
Tarik Skubal delivered a dominant performance for the Tigers, striking out a record 13 Mariners batters in a winner-take-all postseason game.He also set a new postseason record by striking out seven consecutive batters between the second and fourth innings. Skubal pitched six innings, allowing only two hits and one earned run, with no walks and 13 strikeouts. His final line included 99 pitches, forcing Hinch to utilize his bullpen earlier than planned. Despite Skubal’s stellar outing – finishing the ALDS with a 2.08 ERA, 0.62 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts in two starts – the tigers ultimately lost both games due to limited offensive support.Relievers Kyle Finnegan and Tyler Holton were unable to hold the lead after Skubal’s departure, with Finnegan walking a batter and surrendering a single, and Holton ultimately giving up the go-ahead hit.
The Mariners’ resilience and strategic maneuvering ultimately proved too much for the Tigers, sending seattle to the ALCS.
