Mariners to ALCS: Polanco's Walk-Off Ends 15-Inning Epic

15-Inning Epic: Mariners Advance to First ALCS Since 2001 on Polanco's Walk-Off

Author:TendingGB | publish : 11 Oct 2025

The Seattle Mariners ended a long, 24-year drought by reaching their first ALCS since 2001, defeating the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in a scintillating 15-inning Game 5 of the American League Division Series (ALDS). This historic win came courtesy of Jorge Polanco's walk-off single through the right side of the infield, sending the starved Mariners fanbase into pandemonium. The game, which became the longest winner-take-all postseason matchup by innings, featured extraordinary pitching efforts, including rotation starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo pitching in relief. Leo Rivas' clutch pinch-hit single in the seventh inning tied the game, setting the stage for the extra-inning drama. This article breaks down the momentous victory and its huge implications for Seattle baseball. Watch the emotional final play here.

The Walk-Off Heroics: Jorge Polanco Ends the Marathon

After nearly five hours of grueling, intense baseball, the decisive Game 5 finally reached its climax in the bottom of the 15th inning. With the bases loaded and one out, veteran infielder Jorge Polanco stepped to the plate against reliever Tommy Kahnle. Polanco worked the count full, increasing the tension to an unbearable level before pulling a changeup just below the zone into right field for the walk-off single. The base-hit plated J.P. Crawford, securing the 3-2 victory and propelling the Mariners to their first AL Championship Series in over two decades. The moment instantly etched Polanco's name into Mariners franchise lore, bringing relief and elation to the entire city. Relive the Mariners' joyous celebration.

1. Polanco's hit marked only the 15th walk-off hit in MLB winner-take-all postseason history.
2. It officially became the longest winner-take-all game by innings in MLB postseason history.
3. The victory secured Seattle’s fourth-ever ALCS berth and first since the magical 2001 season.
4. The walk-off drew immediate comparisons to Edgar Martinez's iconic "The Double" from the 1995 ALDS.
5. The Mariners now advance to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS, starting Sunday.

Unprecedented Pitching Battle: Starters Become Relievers

The sheer length of the contest forced Mariners manager Dan Wilson to utilize his pitching staff to an extreme degree. The Mariners were compelled to deploy three of their regular starting pitchers—George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Luis Castillo—with Gilbert and Castillo both making their first career Major League relief appearances. This "all hands on deck" approach was unprecedented for the duo, underscoring the high stakes of the elimination game. The Mariners’ army of arms collectively held the powerful Tigers offense to just 8-for-51 (.157) at the plate, keeping the game within reach for Polanco’s late-game heroics. Castillo ultimately earned the victory for his scoreless effort late in the game.

1. Mariners used three starting pitchers (Kirby, Gilbert, Castillo) in the elimination game.
2. Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo pitched in relief for the first time in their respective MLB careers.
3. Castillo earned the victory after throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings late in the game.
4. Detroit also utilized a starter in relief, with Game 3 starter Jack Flaherty entering in the 13th inning.
5. This strategic bullpen deployment mirrored the famous relief outing of Randy Johnson in the 1995 ALDS.

Skubal's Record-Setting Dominance vs. Rivas' Clutch Birthday Hit

Early in the game, Detroit's ace Tarik Skubal delivered a masterful performance, striking out a whopping 13 batters over six innings of one-run ball. His dominance set a postseason record for consecutive strikeouts in a winner-take-all game, forcing the Mariners' offense to tread water. However, Seattle found an unlikely spark in the seventh inning from Leo Rivas. The nine-year Minor League journeyman, pinch-hitting in his first career playoff at-bat on his 28th birthday, lined a game-tying RBI single into left field. This punch-back immediately erased the two-run lead the Tigers had gained moments earlier on a home run by Kerry Carpenter, tying the game at 2-2. Review Skubal's dominant outing.

1. Tarik Skubal struck out 13 batters in six innings, setting a winner-take-all postseason record.
2. Skubal also set a postseason record by recording seven consecutive strikeouts in a single game.
3. Leo Rivas, a late-career call-up, hit a game-tying RBI single in the 7th inning.
4. Rivas became the first player since 1993 to record a pinch-hit on his birthday in the postseason.
5. Tigers slugger Kerry Carpenter was a menace, reaching base six times with a go-ahead two-run homer.

A Statistical Epic: By the Numbers

This 15-inning thriller was not just a dramatic win; it was a statistical anomaly that will forever reside in the MLB history books. The game's relentless pace and duration pushed the boundaries of modern baseball. From the nearly five-hour runtime to the astonishing number of pitchers and pitches utilized, the box score tells the story of an enduring battle of attrition. The high number of strikeouts and runners left on base on both sides highlights the pressure and tactical deployment of both teams. The ability of the Mariners to sustain offense and pitching through the lengthy extra innings ultimately proved to be the difference maker in this monumental contest.

1. Minutes Played: 298 (4 hours, 58 minutes).
2. Pitches Thrown: 472 total pitches by both teams.
3. Pitchers Used: 15 total pitchers appeared in the game.
4. Strikeouts: 37 (Tied for the third-most in postseason history).
5. Runners Left on Base (LOB): 22 total stranded runners.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Question	Answer
When was the last time the Mariners reached the ALCS?	The Seattle Mariners last reached the American League Championship Series in 2001.
Who won ALDS Game 5 between the Mariners and Tigers?	The Seattle Mariners won 3-2 in 15 innings on a walk-off single by Jorge Polanco.
What record did the 15-inning game set?	It is the longest winner-take-all game (by innings) in MLB postseason history.
Which Mariners starters pitched in relief?	Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo both entered the game from the bullpen for their first career MLB relief appearances.
Who did the Mariners face in the ALCS?	The Mariners advanced to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series.

Article Conclusion: A Night for the Ages

Friday night's American League Division Series Game 5 was a true classic, a baseball spectacle that will resonate with Mariners fans for generations. The 15-inning battle against the Detroit Tigers not only marked the end of a 24-year ALCS drought but also showcased the resilience and depth of the Seattle roster. From the unprecedented relief work by rotation stalwarts Gilbert and Castillo to the unexpected clutch performance of birthday boy Leo Rivas, every player contributed to the final, euphoric victory sealed by Jorge Polanco. This win—the longest winner-take-all game in history—was more than just a step forward in the playoffs; it was a defining moment for the franchise and a spectacular reward for one of baseball's most passionate and long-suffering fanbases. The Mariners now carry this momentum into the ALCS, with hopes of a World Series berth hanging in the balance. See the team erupt in celebration.