SEATTLE — Tarik Skubal’s masterful pitching performance in Game 5 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) was nothing short of remarkable. However, despite his brilliance on the mound, the Detroit Tigers were eliminated from the postseason in a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners, who triumphed in 15 innings after Jorge Polanco’s game-winning single drove home J.P. Crawford.
Skubal, the ace left-hander for Detroit, was at his peak form during the pivotal game that could have pushed the Tigers to their first appearance in the AL Championship Series since 2013. The 28-year-old pitcher threw six dominant innings, allowing just one run on two hits, while striking out 13 Mariners. But even Skubal’s stunning performance wasn’t enough to push Detroit past the Mariners, who outlasted the Tigers in what became the longest winner-take-all postseason game by innings in MLB history.
Skubal Shines in a Must-Win Game
Skubal’s performance was a textbook example of pitching dominance. After the Mariners took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning, Skubal settled into a groove that would leave a lasting impression on everyone watching, especially those in the Mariners’ dugout. He struck out seven consecutive batters, setting a new postseason record for most strikeouts in a single game. His strikeout streak came to an end when Josh Naylor lined out to center field in the fifth inning.
“Skubal was as advertised,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said after the game. “He did what he does. He had a really good fastball again tonight, mixing his changeup well, and had us off stride. We had to fight for everything.”
Throughout his six innings of work, Skubal displayed incredible control and poise, consistently hitting his spots with precision. His fastball was overpowering, reaching 100.9 mph on his 99th and final pitch of the night, which resulted in a strikeout of Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. Skubal’s ability to dominate hitters with both velocity and movement made him nearly untouchable at times.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who has watched Skubal pitch in numerous high-stakes games, praised the left-hander’s performance, calling it “incredible.” He emphasized that Skubal’s ability to miss bats consistently was a key factor in keeping Detroit in the game. “He kick-started us in such a good direction,” Hinch said. “He missed a ton of bats. Again, if you’re not a fan of the Tigers and you haven’t watched Tarik start after start, you’re going to see why he gets the love he does, because he’s incredible.”
Despite Skubal’s stellar outing, the Tigers were unable to capitalize on his dominance, as the Mariners fought back after an early lead and eventually took the game into extra innings.
The Tension Builds in Extra Innings
After Skubal’s departure in the sixth inning, the Tigers’ bullpen took over, but the game continued to remain deadlocked at 2-2, with both teams going scoreless through the next nine innings. The Mariners, however, struck the decisive blow in the 15th inning when Polanco’s single brought home Crawford to end the game and the Tigers’ season.
The game was an emotional rollercoaster for both teams, with both pitching staffs giving everything they had in one of the most thrilling and exhausting games in recent memory. Unfortunately for Detroit, the Tigers’ offense couldn’t generate enough support for Skubal’s incredible performance, ultimately falling short in the marathon of a game.
Skubal’s Resilience and Growth
Despite the Tigers’ loss, Skubal’s performance was a continuation of his remarkable season and his growth as a pitcher. Last year, in a similar situation, Skubal also started Game 5 of the AL Division Series but was unable to get the job done, surrendering a tiebreaking grand slam to Lane Thomas in the fifth inning of Detroit’s 7-3 loss to Cleveland. This season, however, Skubal showed how far he’s come. His 13-strikeout performance in Game 5 made him the first player in MLB history to record at least 13 strikeouts in a game twice during the same postseason, according to STATS.
Skubal’s dominance was a testament to his development as one of the premier pitchers in the American League. With a regular-season record of 13-6 and a career-low 2.21 ERA, Skubal was the anchor of the Tigers’ pitching staff throughout the year. He also finished second in the American League with 241 strikeouts, solidifying his place among the best in the game.
“I’m so proud of Tarik,” Hinch said. “He’s an emotional leader. He’s someone who brings it on the field. You see it every five or six days. And we’ve asked a lot out of him this season, but specifically this postseason, every five days. You want the ball in his hand, and you want him to represent your club.”
Skubal’s performance in Game 5 underscored his importance to the Tigers, not only as a pitcher but also as a leader in the clubhouse. His emotional reaction after leaving the game indicated just how much he wanted to push his team further into the postseason, and it reflected his deep commitment to the team’s success.
What’s Next for the Tigers and Skubal?
Although the Tigers fell short in their bid to advance to the ALCS, Skubal’s performance was a bright spot in what had been a challenging season for Detroit. The Tigers will look to build on their successful playoff appearance, with Skubal at the forefront of their pitching staff. As the 2025 offseason begins, Detroit will aim to further develop their young talent and continue to improve in all areas, hoping that their playoff run this season was just the beginning of greater things to come.
For Skubal, his performance in the postseason was another chapter in what has been a rapidly ascending career. If he can continue to pitch at the level he showcased in Game 5, Skubal will undoubtedly be one of the most feared pitchers in the American League for years to come.
As the Tigers head into the offseason with their heads held high despite the tough loss, they know that Skubal is a foundational piece they can build around. The 28-year-old ace showed that he has the mental toughness, physical ability, and leadership qualities to become one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. The future is bright for both Skubal and the Tigers, who will look to make another push toward the playoffs in 2026.
