The Detroit Tigers' 2-3-4-5 hitter was a combined 0-for-23 against the Mariners in Game 5 of the ALDS. Anyone not named Kerry Carpenter (4-for-5) lost 15 innings, going an impossible 4-for-46 (.087).
Seattle Mariners build excitement for Game 5 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers
Ken Griffey Jr. caused a stir among the crowd at T-Mobile Park before Game 5 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Detroit Tigers lost Game 5 of the ALDS Seattle Mariners on Friday, October 10, which turned into Saturday, 3:2, ends 2025 season.
Sports columnist for the Free Press Andrew Birkle picks winners and losers from the Tigers' heartbreaking defeat.
Winners
Pull Skubal
Yes, 13 strikeouts is the most a pitcher has ever thrown in a playoff decider, but Skubal's dominance goes far beyond numbers. The only run scored by the future two-time American League Cy Young winner came in the second inning when pesky Josh Naylor hit a double down the left field line that looked like he could barely see it. He advanced to third on a freak steal and then came home on a sacrifice fly. That's it. Skubal gave the Tigers every chance to win, but they were unable to capitalize. History of the season.
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Kerry Carpenter
Speaking of players who went above and beyond to help the Tigers win, Kerry Carpenter continues to cement his legend among Tigers fans. Carpenter was the hero of last year's ALDS matchup with Cleveland Guardians when he crushed a Game 2 home run in the ninth inning off closer Emmanuel Clase, he then had a similar moment in Game 1 of the 2025 ALDS that helped the Tigers steal the first run from the Mariners.
He couldn't do it again, right? Of course he did, hitting a go-ahead two-run home run in the sixth off left-hander Gabe Speier, who had been specially brought in to face Carpenter. In Game 5, Carpenter finished 4-for-5 with two walks and a homer. Yes, he also contributed.
Jorge Polanco
The hero of Game 2 for the Mariners was also the hero of Game 5. Polanco hit two solo homers off Skubal in Game 2 to lift Seattle to a 3-2 victory, and on Friday he finally mercifully ended the run with a single to right to win the game in the 15th inning, again 3-2. Seattle won all four of Skubal's 2025 starts.
Losers
All Tigers hitters except Kerry Carpenter
Mr. Carpenter, take a bow. The others can leave the stage please. The Tigers had just eight hits in 15 innings, with Carpenter accounting for half. How as Sean Windsor of Freep pointed outThe Tigers' 2-3-4-5 hitters were a combined 0 for 23. Anyone not named Kerry Carpenter was 4 for 46, for a .087 average. And for some reason it seemed to me that watching the game became even worse. The Tigers had chance after chance, but they kept losing. Every. Lonely. Time. (Sailors too.)
It will be a long offseason with questions about this roster for President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris and the Tigers' front office.
Tigers fans
Thank goodness this game was at least on a Friday night so most fans didn't have to get up early for work the next day. This might be the ONLY saving grace because it was just as painful as the playoff losses. There were so many painful rollercoasters of emotions in this game that it seemed designed to hurt the feelings of the team that ultimately lost. It was the Tigers, of course, and this game will go down in history as one you simply won't be able to forget. Sorry, Big Papi, you may no longer be responsible for the Tigers' most painful loss this century..
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Andrew Birkle is assistant sports editor for the Free Press. Contact him at [email protected] or “X” at andrew_birkle.
