An epic finish caps a marathon of a game
In a winner-take-all clash that will be remembered for years, the Seattle Mariners outlasted the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in 15 innings, advancing to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2001. The marathon game was marked by stellar pitching, tense late-inning drama, and a clutch single that sealed the historic victory.
Polanco delivers the knockout blow
With one out and the bases loaded, Jorge Polanco lined a game-ending single to right off Tommy Kahnle. The hit scored J.P. Crawford, who had sparked Seattle’s rally with a leadoff single. Randy Arozarena set the table by being hit by a pitch, and Julio Rodríguez was intentionally walked, loading the bases for Polanco’s decisive swing on the 472nd pitch of the marathon Game 5.
“We never give up. We just keep fighting,” Polanco said after the game. “It doesn’t matter how many innings we play. We just stay ready and wait for the moment. It’s going to come. It was my time.”
Back-and-forth action and late pressure
Seattle battled Detroit through a game that saw 12 runners left on base by the Mariners alone, underscoring the tense, high-stakes nature of postseason baseball. The Tigers fought hard, matching Seattle punch for punch in a game that stretched nearly to the brink of exhaustion. Every inning carried weight; every at-bat carried the potential that could tilt the balance toward one side or the other.
Road to the ALCS and a showdown with a familiar foe
The victory sends the Mariners to the AL Championship Series where they will meet the AL East champion Toronto Blue Jays. The series opener is scheduled for Sunday night in Toronto, setting up a compelling clash of two teams with star-power and deep pitching staffs. Seattle will carry the momentum of a dramatic series win and the confidence that comes with overcoming a tough, veteran-hitting Detroit squad in a game that defied the usual script of a short, clean finish.
What this win means for Seattle
Advancing to the ALCS marks a historic return to the league’s pinnacle stage for the Mariners, who haven’t reached this round since the early 2000s. The win was not only about the final hit but also about the resilience shown by a team that kept grinding through an exhausting night. Managerial decisions, bullpen management, and timely hits all played a part in staving off Detroit’s best efforts and setting up a chance to chase another World Series appearance.
Looking ahead
Seattle’s resilience will be tested anew in a series against the Blue Jays, a club known for its dynamic offense and solid pitching. The Mariners will aim to channel the same grit that carried them through Friday’s marathon, turning one decisive moment into a broader postseason run. For fans, the memory of a 15-inning classic and Polanco’s walk-off will endure as a reminder of why October baseball is celebrated for moments like these.
