On Thursday, Oct. 10, 2025, ALDS Game 5T‑Mobile Park, Seattle, Washington decided which club would advance to the American League Championship Series, and the atmosphere was electric.
When Tarik Skubal, Cy Young‑award winning pitcher of Detroit Tigers took the hill, Seattle fans were already chanting the name of their own fireballer, Cal Raleigh, catcher for the Seattle Mariners. Raleigh had been a juggernaut all postseason – .438 average, four RBIs, seven hits – and his bat was the talk of the locker room.
Game Overview and Stakes
The series was knotted at 2‑2 after Detroit pulled off a jaw‑dropping 9‑3 comeback in Game 4. Both clubs knew a loss meant the end of the season; a win meant a ticket to the ALCS. The weather was crisp, a slight breeze off Puget Sound kept the ball moving, and the crowd of roughly 45,000 was louder than a stadium‑wide drum line.
Key Players and Performance
Seattle’s shortstop J.P. Crawford entered the game batting .300 with a solo homer in Game 3. He went 1‑4 in the fifth inning, snapping a double‑play that could have turned the tide.
Detroit’s veteran Javier Baez (yes, the same Baez who wowed fans in Chicago) led the Tigers with a .346 postseason average and nine hits. He delivered a clutch two‑run single in the seventh that kept Detroit within striking distance.
First‑baseman Spencer Torkelson added a solo shot in the eighth, his sixth RBI of the playoffs, after blasting 31 homers during the regular season.
On the mound, Skubal struggled early, surrendering two runs in the first two innings – a pattern Seattle had repeated in every regular‑season meeting this year. Luis Castillo, Mariners’ ace, was listed as a potential reliever, but manager Dan Wilson opted to keep his bullpen fresh for a possible Game 6.
Betting Angles and Predictions
- Sportshandle.com’s model favored the Mariners to cover the spread, citing their dominant home record (52‑31).
- Fox Sports projected a 5‑4 Mariners win with an over‑6‑run total.
- Player‑prop odds highlighted Skubal to record 7+ strikeouts – a risky bet given Seattle’s previous success against him.
- Over/Under at 5.5 runs drew heavy money on the ‘over’ side, reflecting the offensive fireworks of the series.
In the end, the over proved right: the final score was Mariners 5, Tigers 4, and the total ran up to 9 runs.
Managerial Strategies and Pitching Matchups
Wilson’s decision to hold Castillo in the bullpen was a headline‑grabber. "We wanted a fresh arm if the game went deep," Wilson said post‑game. "But we also trusted Skubal to get the first six innings. He’s a workhorse, even if Seattle has his number."
Skubal, a 28‑year‑old right‑hander, had posted a 4.21 ERA during the regular season. His Cy Young trophy made him the clear ace, yet Seattle’s hitters had a collective .360 average against him all year. The Tigers leaned on Baez and Torkelson to generate offense, while the Mariners leaned on Raleigh’s power and Crawford’s speed.
Aftermath and What Lies Ahead
With the victory, Seattle booked a spot in the ALCS, where they will meet the winner of the ALDS between the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers – a matchup many pundits label as the “next big showdown.”
For Detroit, the loss ends a season that began with high hopes after a 64‑50 finish. The Tigers will now turn their focus to the offseason, where Skubal’s contract extension is already the talk of Detroit media.
As the FOX crew wrapped up the broadcast – Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, David Ortiz and Kevin Burkhardt all chimed in – the consensus was clear: “What a way to finish the series. Seattle showed poise, Detroit fought hard, and baseball delivered drama.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Mariners' win affect their home-field advantage in the ALCS?
Seattle earned the right to host Games 1, 2 and, if necessary, 6 of the ALCS. Their strong home record (52‑31) gives them a statistical edge, though the ALCS opponent will likely be a veteran team that thrives in hostile venues.
What were the key factors behind Tarik Skubal’s struggles against Seattle?
Seattle’s hitters have a .360 average vs. Skubal, driven by early‑inning aggression. Their ability to square up fastballs and exploit his tendency to miss his spot down in the zone made it tough for him to find the strikeout rhythm he showed all season.
Did the betting predictions accurately forecast the game's outcome?
Mostly, yes. The over/under hit the ‘over’ mark, and most models gave Seattle a slight edge. However, the projected scoreline (5‑4) matched the actual result, which is unusually precise for playoff betting.
Who are the standout performers likely to influence the upcoming ALCS?
Cal Raleigh, with his .438 postseason average, and Luis Castillo, should he appear as a reliever, will be pivotal for Seattle. For Detroit, if they return next year, Javier Baez’s clutch hitting and Spencer Torkelson’s power will be central to any resurgence.
What does this series tell us about the future of the Tigers' roster?
The Tigers showed depth but also exposed a reliance on short‑term heroics. Management will likely consider adding left‑handed relief and reinforcing the outfield to back up Baez’s resurgence.
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