In a heart-stopping conclusion to the American League Division Series, the Seattle Mariners emerged victorious over the Detroit Tigers in an epic 15-inning contest, marking the longest winner-take-all game in MLB history. With a 3-2 victory, the Mariners secured their first trip to the American League Championship Series since 2001, setting the stage for a showdown against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Here, we break down five pivotal moments that shaped this unforgettable game and ultimately decided the fate of both teams.
1. Garver’s Sacrifice Fly Sets the Tone Early
The Mariners struck first in the bottom of the second inning. Josh Naylor ignited the rally with a sharp double off Tigers’ starter Tarik Skubal, a pitcher favored to repeat as the American League Cy Young Award winner. Quick to capitalize, Naylor then stole third base, positioning himself perfectly to score on Mitch Garver’s sacrifice fly to center field.
This early 1-0 lead proved crucial, as neither team was able to put much distance between each other for the remainder of the regulation innings, underscoring how every run would count in this tight battle.
2. Carpenter’s Homer Flips the Script for Detroit
In the sixth inning, Detroit’s Victor Carpenter delivered a momentum-shifting home run that put the Tigers ahead. The sequence began when Javier Báez doubled to lead off the inning, prompting Seattle manager Dan Wilson to replace starter George Kirby with left-handed reliever Gabe Speier in an attempt to gain a platoon advantage.
While the strategy looked sound on paper, Carpenter defied expectations and sent one over the fence, giving Detroit a 2-1 edge. This big swing energized the Tigers and signaled that the Mariners’ bullpen would need to hold strong in the innings ahead.
3. Rivas Levels the Playing Field in the Seventh
The Mariners answered back in a tense bottom of the seventh inning. After Tigers’ skipper A.J. Hinch removed Skubal, righty reliever Kyle Finnegan entered but quickly found trouble, allowing a walk to Jorge Polanco and a single to Naylor, loading the bases with two outs.
In a tactical chess match, manager Wilson swapped Garver for left-handed hitter Dominic Canzone, only for Hinch to counter by bringing in lefty Tyler Holton. Wilson then sent up switch-hitter Leo Rivas batting right-handed, who delivered a clutch single into left field to tie the game at 2-2. This resilient response erased Detroit’s lead and pushed the battle into extra innings.
4. McKinstry’s Defensive Gem in the 12th Inning
While offensive highlights dominated much of the narrative, critical defensive plays also played a huge role. One of the most memorable came in the 12th inning when Javier Báez came to the plate with runners on second and third.
In a crucial moment, Mariners outfielder Cole McKinstry executed a perfectly timed throw to home plate to get a runner out, denying the Tigers a potential go-ahead run. This defensive stop kept the Mariners in the game and demonstrated the fine margins separating victory and defeat in such a prolonged duel.
5. Mariners’ Breakthrough in the 15th and Series Clinch
After hours of back-and-forth tension, the decisive moment finally arrived in the 15th inning. The Mariners managed to push across the winning run, capitalizing on sustained pressure against a fatigued Tigers pitching staff.
This victory not only allowed Seattle to advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time in over two decades but also continued their quest to make their first ever World Series appearance—a milestone that has so far eluded the franchise since its inception in 1977. —
Looking Ahead
The Mariners’ next test will be against the Toronto Blue Jays, who themselves dispatched the New York Yankees earlier in the week. This upcoming matchup promises high stakes and intense competition as Seattle bids to write a new chapter in their franchise history.
This 15-inning marathon will be remembered not only for its length but for the grit, strategy, and clutch performances that defined baseball’s drama at its finest. For fans of both teams and the sport alike, it was a thrilling showcase of postseason heart and hustle.
