Imagine waiting nearly a quarter-century for a moment like this. The Seattle Mariners have finally punched their ticket to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the first time in 24 years, and it came after an epic, heart-stopping 15-inning battle that will go down in baseball history. This wasn’t just a game—it was a test of endurance, strategy, and sheer willpower, clocking in at a staggering four hours and 58 minutes, making it the longest winner-takes-all playoff game in MLB history. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: with the bases loaded, one out, and a full count, Jorge Polanco—who had been hitless up until that point—delivered the 472nd pitch of the night into right field, securing a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers and sending Mariners fans into a frenzy.
Polanco’s clutch single will undoubtedly become a legendary moment, but the Mariners’ triumph in Game 5 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) was a true team effort, particularly from their pitching staff. Starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo stepped into relief roles for the first time in their careers, while relievers Matt Brash and Eduard Bazardo logged their longest outings ever. Add in contributions from Gabe Speier, Andrés Muñoz, and George Kirby, who set the tone with five solid innings, and you have a recipe for baseball magic. As Mariners manager Dan Wilson put it, “I don’t even know where to begin to try to recap all the heroic efforts that went into today. Just an incredible ballgame from top to bottom.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: while the Mariners celebrated, the Tigers were left to ponder what could have been. Tarik Skubal, the two-time All-Star, delivered a masterful performance, striking out 13 batters over six innings—a record for a winner-takes-all postseason game. Yet, his dominance wasn’t enough. After Kerry Carpenter’s two-run homer gave Detroit a 2-1 lead in the sixth, Skubal’s exit opened the door for Seattle’s comeback. And this is the part most people miss: Leo Rivas, a journeyman minor leaguer who made his MLB debut just last year, became an unlikely hero on his 28th birthday. His RBI single tied the game, capping a decade-long journey of perseverance that almost saw him give up on his dream.
The drama didn’t end there. Extra innings brought missed opportunities for Seattle in the 10th, 12th, and 13th, with fans at T-Mobile Park fearing a repeat of 2022’s heartbreaking 18-inning loss to the Houston Astros. But in a fitting twist, J.P. Crawford—who went 1-for-7 in that 2022 game—scored the winning run off Polanco’s single, sparking wild celebrations. Now, the Mariners turn their sights to the ALCS, where they’ll face the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada, beginning their quest for a first-ever World Series appearance.
Is this the year the Mariners finally break through? With such resilience and clutch performances, it’s hard to bet against them. But what do you think? Was this game a fluke, or is Seattle destined for greatness? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
