2025 – Steph Chambers
A record ALDS Game 5, the Seattle Mariners wore down the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in a 15-inning masterpiece the longest Tigers postseason game in franchise history. The victory not only ended the Mariners’ 24-year playoff series drought but also set the stage for a historic matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 ALCS. In a game that will be recalled for generations to come, the Seattle Mariners secured their spot in the 2025 American League Championship Series with a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS. The five-hour, 15-inning epic became not only the longest winner-take-all postseason contest in MLB history but also was the longest postseason contest the Tigers have ever been a part of, demonstrating the grit and stamina from both teams.
The hero was Jorge Polanco, who hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the fifteenth inning to score J.P. Crawford. The game was hard-fought as both clubs repeatedly swung and missed with runners in scoring position, but the Mariners’ bullpen showed world-class depth, as Luis Castillo earned the win with one and one-third shutout innings of relief. The victory was a test of the team’s will and unity, with contributions from unexpected heroes like Leo Rivas, who evened the game with a birthday pinch-hit RBI single. The Mariners season has been one of grit. Having finished the regular season with 92 wins, the team relied on strong pitching depth and timely hitting down the stretch. Starters Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert have been the workhorses in the rotation, with hitters like J.P. Crawford and Ty France delivering in clutch situations time and again. The ALDS victory over Detroit was a portrait of this season’s fight, highlighting that Seattle can hang with the American League’s best.
2025 – Screensho
Up next, the Mariners welcome in the Toronto Blue Jays, who took down the New York Yankees in four games and advanced to the ALCS. The offense of Toronto has been strong throughout the playoffs, with George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. pacing the way and rookie Jordan Walker providing timely hitting through the ALDS. There are concerns about the Blue Jays’ depth at the mound, most notably the health of Bo Bichette and the availability of a good fourth starter aside from veterans Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt. Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller, 27, will start Game 1 of the ALCS. He was selected to pitch after the heavy recent usage of Gilbert and Castillo. Toronto responds with the ace Kevin Gausman, who gave up a single run over five and two-thirds of an inning in his ALDS opener. Both teams will count on bullpen depth and shrewd pinch-hitting to get an advantage in a series predicted to be closely contested.
The Mariners building towards this big-pressure series, their journey from a historic ALDS victory to hosting the Blue Jays in the ALCS has captured the hearts of fans across North America. The determination, depth, and resilience of the team have set the stage for an electric showdown that can define Seattle’s postseason history for decades.