When Tarik Skubal, the ace pitcher of Detroit Tigers and 2024 AL Cy Young winner, took the mound on Wednesday, October 9, 2025, the Seattle Mariners were already feeling the pressure at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers erupted for nine runs, handing Seattle a 9‑3 loss that tied the American League Division SeriesDetroit at 2‑2 and setting up a winner‑take‑all Game 5 at Seattle’s T‑Mobile Park the following night.
Series Overview and Game 4 Recap
Before Wednesday’s fireworks, the ALDS had been a seesaw. The Mariners snagged the first win at home, the Tigers answered back in Game 2, and Game 3 went to Seattle in a 4‑2 Mariners triumph. Game 4 was supposed to be the Tigers’ moment, but a cold, wind‑blown night at Comerica turned into a batting clinic for Detroit. By the fifth inning, the Tigers’ offense exploded – a two‑run single, a sac fly, and a three‑run homer from Cal Raleigh turned a 2‑2 tie into a 7‑3 lead. The Mariners mounted a late‑inning rally that added a run, but the damage was done.
“It felt like the ball was glued to the bat,” Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford said in the post‑game interview. “One minute we were in it, the next we were looking at the scoreboard trying to figure out what happened.” The loss, described by MLB.com as “arguably the Mariners’ most stunning defeat of 2025,” forced the series to a decisive showdown.
Key Players and Pitching Matchup
Game 5’s spotlight will shine brightest on the mound. Tarik Skubal returns for Detroit, his second straight winner‑take‑all start after a Game 5 loss to the Cleveland Guardians in the 2024 ALDS. Skubal, who posted a 2.61 ERA in the regular season and ranked second in strikeouts, is chasing a back‑to‑back Cy Young nod.
Seattle’s hopes hinge on veteran left‑hander Logan Gilbert. The Mariners’ only team to beat Skubal twice during the regular season, Gilbert’s 3.02 ERA and his knack for generating ground balls make him a legitimate threat. If he can keep the Tigers’ heavy‑hitting lineup – especially sluggers Mickey Morrissey and Luis Campusano – off the board, Seattle could pull off the upset.
Both managers have already hinted at unconventional moves. Mariners skipper Dan Wilson mentioned a possible early‑inning bullpen surge, while Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is weighing a short‑stop shuffle to keep Skubal’s rhythm intact.
Strategic Decisions Ahead of Game 5
One of the biggest variables will be the roof at T‑Mobile Park. Forecasts call for a high‑50s temperature with a slight chance of rain. The MLB‑appointed official will decide whether to seal the roof before the first pitch; if closed, the game becomes a classic indoor duel, removing wind factor that plagued the Tigers in Detroit.
Seattle’s offensive engine will be a blend of speed and power. The Mariners have averaged 0.81 runs per inning in the series, but their on‑base percentage spiked to .371 in Game 4 after a string of walks. If Wilson leans on his contact hitters – Ty France and Eddie Rosario – to manufacture runs, they could avoid the big‑inning swing‑and‑miss approach that failed in Detroit.
Detroit, on the other hand, will likely front‑load their lineup. Skubal’s defense behind him is solid; the Tigers have allowed just one error in the series. The right‑handed power trio of Riley Gould, Kiké Cunningham and Matt Miller could explode early, forcing Wilson into a quick‑fire bullpen gamble.
Implications for the AL Championship and World Series
Should the Tigers win, they will advance to the AL Championship Series to face the victor of the New York Yankees‑Texas Rangers matchup. Detroit’s veteran core, combined with their pitching depth, makes them a dark‑horse in a field that already includes the 2025 powerhouse Yankees.
For Seattle, a Game 5 win would snap a 49‑season drought without a World Series appearance. It would also be a huge morale boost for a franchise that finally seems to have built a roster capable of handling pressure. The Mariners’ front office has invested heavily in analytics and player development, and a breakthrough could shift the balance of power in the AL West for years to come.
Key Facts
- Game 5 scheduled for Friday, Oct 10, 2025, 8:08 p.m. ET at T‑Mobile Park, Seattle.
- Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal (2‑year Cy Young contender) starts for the Tigers.
- Seattle’s left‑hander Logan Gilbert gets the ball for the Mariners.
- The series is tied 2‑2 after Detroit’s 9‑3 win at Comerica Park.
- Weather forecast: 59 °F with a slight chance of rain; roof decision by MLB official.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the outcome of Game 5 affect the Mariners' chances of reaching the World Series?
A win would propel Seattle into the AL Championship Series, marking the first time since 2001 the club has advanced past the ALDS. It would also give the franchise its first shot at a World Series berth in 49 seasons, potentially reshaping the team's long‑term trajectory.
What led to Detroit’s offensive surge in Game 4?
A combination of timely hitting, a two‑run single by Cal Raleigh, and a three‑run homer turned a 2‑2 tie into a 7‑3 lead. Detroit’s adjusted batting order and a more aggressive approach against Seattle’s relievers also contributed.
Who are the key pitchers to watch in Game 5?
Detroit’s ace Tarik Skubal is the focal point for the Tigers, while Seattle will rely on left‑hander Logan Gilbert to counter the Tigers’ power batters.
What are the weather and stadium considerations for the game?
Forecasts call for a high of 59 °F with a light chance of rain. The decision to close the T‑Mobile Park roof will be made by an MLB official, which could neutralize any wind advantage and keep the field dry.
When and where will Game 5 be broadcast?
The winner‑take‑all matchup kicks off at 8:08 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, October 10, 2025, at T‑Mobile Park in Seattle and will be shown nationally on Fox.
