The Seattle Mariners just barely edged out the Detroit Tigers on Friday in one of the most grueling do-or-die playoff games in recent memory.
Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco walked the Tigers off with a bases-loaded single in the 15th inning of the ALDS Game 5 matchup at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Wash. After working a full count, Polanco hit a hard ground ball to right field off Tigers reliever Tommy Kahnle to drive in the series-clinching run. Seattle won the contest 3-2.
JORGE POLANCO WINS IT IN THE 15TH INNING!
— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2025
THE @MARINERS ARE HEADING TO THE ALCS!!! pic.twitter.com/IEb6DLrHaY
The two teams deployed a combined 15 pitchers in a game that was defined by incredible defense and timely pitching. The Mariners threatened with runners in scoring position in the 10th, 12th, and 13th innings, but failed to drive a single run home. Seattle was finally able to break through in the 15th.
Polanco’s base hit sent the Mariners to the ALCS for the first time since 2001, when a rookie Icihiro Suzuki first moved stateside. Awaiting them are the Toronto Blue Jays, who are similarly trying to exorcise some playoff demons. The Blue Jays haven’t made it past the ALCS since the franchise won back-to-back World Series in 1992 and 1993.
