The stage was set for a classic postseason battle: Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners ALDS Game 5 score decided who advanced to the American League Championship Series. In a winner-take-all showdown, both teams left everything on the field, delivering heart-stopping drama, clutch hits, and an extra-innings marathon. In this article, you’ll get live updates, full highlights, and a clear recap of how that pivotal Game 5 unfolded—plus analysis, key turning points, and the final result.
Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners ALDS Game 5 Score & Live Updates
Pre-Game Context & Matchup
Series Setup & Stakes
- The ALDS was tied 2–2, forcing a decisive Game 5.
- The winner would face the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS.
- For both clubs, momentum, bullpen depth, and timely hitting loomed large.
Starting Pitchers & Lineups
- Detroit Tigers sent Tarik Skubal to the mound (strong postseason track record). MLB.com+1
- Seattle Mariners countered with George Kirby.
- In previous meetings this season, the Mariners had beaten Skubal multiple times.
- Each club’s batting order and bullpen strategy were crucial in a do-or-die scenario.
Live Updates & Key Moments of Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners
Below is a timeline of major events, momentum shifts, and turning points:
Score Progression & Highlights
| Inning / Time | Event | Impact on Game |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1 | Scoreless start; pitchers settle in | Clean opening inning for both starters FOX 13 |
| Bottom 2 | Josh Naylor doubles, then Mitch Garver hits a sacrifice fly | Mariners take 1–0 lead |
| Top 6 | Kerry Carpenter belts a 2-run homer | Tigers go ahead 2–1 |
| Bottom 7 | Leo Rivas singles in Jorge Polanco | Mariners tie game 2–2 |
| Middle innings | Game remains tied, bullpens engaged | Neither side yields |
| 10th–14th innings | Intense extra innings, both teams threaten | Still locked at 2–2 deep into extras |
| Extra Inning (14th) | Final decision made | Longest winner-take-all playoff game in MLB history |
Select Highlights & Notes
- Skubal delivered six strong innings, yielding just one run before handing over to relievers.
- Kerry Carpenter’s clutch homer turned the tide in the 6th.
- Leo Rivas, in a pinch-hit role, tied the game in the 7th.
- Multiple relief pitchers on both sides tried to contain threats deep into extra innings.
- The game extended to the 14th inning, becoming the longest winner-take-all game in MLB postseason history.
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Final Result & Recap
Who Won & How
The game officially ended after 14 innings, with one team finally emerging. According to multiple sources, the Mariners prevailed in that marathon, clinching the series.
This victory secured Seattle’s first home postseason win in many years and punched their ticket to the ALCS.
Key Turning Factors
- Bullpen depth & endurance: both teams stretched arms deep into extra innings.
- Clutch hits under pressure: Carpenter’s homer and Rivas’s pinch-hit single were pivotal.
- Starting pitching foundation: Skubal gave Detroit their best chance by keeping the game within reach.
- Managerial decisions (matchups, bullpen usage) made or broke critical innings.
Post-Game Insights & What’s Next
- The Mariners advance to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS.
- For Detroit, it’s another postseason heartbreak, but Skubal’s performance and the team’s resilience offer optimism for upcoming seasons.
- Seattle’s resilience in a pressure cooker environment underscores their maturation as a playoff contender.
In a postseason clash for the ages, the Detroit Tigers vs Seattle Mariners ALDS Game 5 score will be remembered as an epic display of grit, strategy, and endurance. Seattle’s extra-inning win sends them to the ALCS, while Detroit can hold its head high after pushing a series to the limit.
If you enjoyed this deep dive, check out our other recaps: “Blue Jays ALCS preview”, “ALDS historical classics”, or “Top postseason moments 2025”.
