SportsLine's model simulated Detroit vs. Seattle 10,000 times and revealed its MLB picks for Friday's ALDS Game 5 matchup at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.
The Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners treated fans to a nail-biting ALDS finale that stretched far beyond expectations. Friday night’s Game 5 turned into a true marathon, lasting 15 innings before the Mariners finally edged out the Tigers, 3-2.
The game showcased a mix of stellar pitching, flawless fielding, and, unfortunately for fans, a shortage of clutch hitting in the extra frames. Every pitch and play seemed magnified as both teams battled fatigue and tension deep into the night.
By one remarkable measure, this game entered the record books immediately. When the contest reached the 14th inning, the Fox broadcast highlighted it as the longest winner-take-all postseason game by innings in MLB history. That milestone alone sets this clash apart in baseball lore.
Yet, while memorable, it isn’t the longest playoff game overall. MLB history has witnessed multiple epic battles that went beyond 15 innings. Here’s a look at the longest MLB playoff games by innings:
Longest MLB Playoff Games by Inning
- Game 3, 2022 ALDS: Astros 1, Mariners 0 (18 innings)
- Game 3, 2018 World Series: Dodgers 3, Red Sox 2 (18 innings)
- Game 2, 2014 NLDS: Giants 2, Nationals 1 (18 innings)
- Game 4, 2005 NLDS: Astros 7, Braves 6 (18 innings)
- Game 6, 1986 NLCS: Mets 7, Astros 6 (16 innings)
- Game 2, 2022 ALWC: Guardians 1, Rays 0 (15 innings)
- Game 5, 1999 NLCS: Mets 4, Braves 3 (15 innings)
- Game 2, 1995 ALDS: Yankees 7, Mariners 5 (15 innings)
- Game 5, 2025 ALDS: Mariners 3, Tigers 2 (15 innings)
- Game 1, 2015 World Series: Royals 5, Mets 4 (14 innings)
- Game 2, 2015 ALDS: Rangers 6, Blue Jays 4 (14 innings)
- Game 3, 2005 World Series: White Sox 7, Astros 5 (14 innings)
- Game 5, 2004 ALCS: Red Sox 5, Yankees 4 (14 innings)
- Game 2, 1916 World Series: Red Sox 2, Robins (Dodgers) 1 (14 innings)
This list reminds fans of just how rare and special marathon games are in the playoffs. The 2025 ALDS finale now sits proudly among them, celebrated for its suspense and sheer endurance.
While the Mariners advance, baseball enthusiasts will remember this contest not just for the outcome but for the grit, strategy, and stamina displayed by both teams. These are the moments that define playoff baseball—a thrilling test of skill, heart, and resilience that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
The Tigers, despite the loss, can hold their heads high. Their effort pushed a historic Mariners team to the absolute limit, proving that in postseason baseball, no game ends quickly.
