ALDS Epic: Tigers and Mariners Locked in 14-Inning Battle in Game 5 Thriller

In an ALDS epic that has lived up to the hype, the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners are locked in a 14-inning battle in a dramatic Game 5 thriller, tied 2-2 as the night stretches into the early hours. This win-or-go-home showdown has officially become the longest winner-take-all game in Major League Baseball postseason history — and one of the most unforgettable.

With a trip to the American League Championship Series on the line, both teams have thrown everything they have into this decisive showdown — from bold managerial moves and record-setting performances to clutch hits and defensive brilliance. And yet, after nearly five hours of baseball, we still don’t have a winner.

Early Spark: Naylor’s Hustle Puts Mariners on the Board

The Mariners struck first in the second inning thanks to a dazzling display of base-running from Josh Naylor. The slugger turned a routine hit down the third base line into a double, his helmet flying off as he rounded first. Then, with confidence, he stole third base and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Mitch Garver, giving Seattle a 1-0 lead and electrifying the home crowd.

Skubal Sets Postseason Record for Strikeouts

Tigers starter Tarik Skubal may have allowed that early run, but he made history shortly after. The left-hander struck out seven consecutive batters, a new MLB postseason record, beginning with Gleyber Torres in the bottom of the second and ending with Eugenio Suárez in the fourth.

Skubal finished his outing with 11 strikeouts over six innings, keeping the Tigers in the game and silencing Seattle’s bats after the early damage. His dominance on the mound set the tone for Detroit’s resilience throughout the night.

Tigers Take the Lead After Mariners’ Risky Pitching Change

Momentum shifted sharply at the top of the sixth when Mariners manager Dan Wilson made a controversial call. Despite George Kirby cruising through five innings with just 66 pitches, six strikeouts, and only three hits allowed, Wilson pulled him after Javier Báez led off the inning with a double.

Reliever Gabe Speier entered — and on just his second pitch, Kerry Carpenter launched a two-run homer into right-center field. The blast gave Detroit a 2-1 lead and instantly made Wilson’s decision a major talking point.

Leo Rivas Delivers a Clutch RBI to Tie the Game

Seattle wasn’t done yet. In the bottom of the eighth, the Mariners tied the game thanks to an unlikely hero: Leo Rivas. Making his first postseason appearance — and first at-bat of the series — Rivas drove in the tying run with a single, sending the Seattle faithful into a frenzy and setting the stage for a tense finish.

Extra Innings Madness: Pitching, Defense, and Missed Chances

The game pushed into extra innings, and each frame brought new twists:

• 12th inning: The Tigers loaded the bases after two quick hits and an intentional walk to Carpenter. But Seattle reliever Eduard Bazardo escaped unscathed after Gleyber Torres flied out to center. In the bottom half, Seattle had two runners on — including Victor Robles, who reached after being hit by a pitch (which replays suggested grazed the bat first). But Detroit’s Keider Montero induced a double play from Randy Arozarena to end the threat.

• 13th inning: Both teams again put runners on base but couldn’t capitalize. Defensive precision and pitching execution defined the frame, keeping the score locked at 2-2.

• 14th inning: The game officially entered the record books as the longest winner-take-all playoff game in MLB history, surpassing previous postseason marathons.

Who Will Face the Blue Jays?

At stake is a ticket to the American League Championship Series, where the Toronto Blue Jays await the winner. But no matter who advances, it’s clear they will have earned it in blood, sweat, and sheer willpower.

With arms tiring, benches shortened, and nerves tested to the brink, this Game 5 is the very definition of postseason baseball at its finest: high-stakes, unpredictable, and unforgettable.

Still No Winner…

As we await the outcome, one thing is certain — this game has already earned its place in history. Whether it ends in the 15th inning or the 20th, Tigers vs. Mariners has delivered a masterpiece.