Mariners stun Tigers in 15-inning thriller to end 22-year playoff drought

A sold-out T-Mobile Park trembled—literally—as Seattle's 22-year wait for the ALCS ended in unforgettable fashion. One swing changed everything.

, and Administrator

2026 March 16 . 7:07 PM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people standing on top of a baseball field, clapping their hands in... — The image shows a group of people standing on top of a baseball field, clapping their hands in appreciation. In the background, there is a stadium filled with people, and on the left side of the image there are boards with text and logos. At the top of the screen, a ship can be seen sailing on the water.

Mariners stun Tigers in 15-inning thriller to end 22-year playoff drought

The Seattle Mariners secured a dramatic 15-inning victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Division Series. A walkoff single by Jorge Polanco sent the team to the American League Championship Series for the first time in 22 years. The sold-out crowd at T-Mobile Park erupted in celebration, with the excitement even registering on a nearby seismometer.

The game began with a pitching duel between reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and Mariners starter George Kirby. Neither side gave an inch early on, but Mitch Garver broke the deadlock in the second inning with a sacrifice fly, sparking a loud reaction from the fans.

Before the match, Mariners legends set the tone. Alvin Davis, known as 'Mr. Mariner,' threw out the first pitch, while Ken Griffey Jr. made a flashy entrance in a black convertible adorned with icy blue flames and his iconic No. 24. The atmosphere was electric, with longtime supporters—some of whom had followed the team since its 1995 playoff run—cheering on every play. As the game stretched into extra innings, tension grew. The crowd's roar reached such intensity that a seismometer at the stadium detected ground movement during a crucial moment. Finally, in the 15th inning, Polanco delivered the winning hit, sending the Mariners into the ALCS. Fans, many clutching lucky charms and superstitions, celebrated a historic night for the franchise.

The Mariners now advance to the ALCS, ending a 22-year wait since their last appearance in 2001. The victory was sealed in front of a record crowd, whose passion shook the stadium—both literally and figuratively. The team will carry this momentum into the next round of the playoffs.