Tigers Remind Us What October Feels Like — Carpenter and McKinstry Deliver in 11-Inning Game 1 Win
SEATTLE — It’s been 41 long years since the Detroit Tigers last raised a World Series trophy, but nights like this make you believe it could happen again. Saturday’s 3–2 extra-inning win over the Mariners wasn’t just another playoff game — it was a reminder of what October baseball feels like when it’s played with heart, grit, and hope.
⚾ Playoff Intensity in the Pacific Northwest
Seattle’s crowd came ready for a celebration. For the first few innings, T-Mobile Park was electric — towels waving, fans roaring, every pitch amplified by the hunger of a city that hasn’t seen a deep postseason run in decades.
For a while, they got it. Julio Rodríguez gave the Mariners the lead with a solo homer in the fourth, sending the place into chaos. The energy inside T-Mobile Park was incredible — but let’s be honest, Comerica Park can rock just as much. After the struggles down the stretch, Detroit fans have been lukewarm on the team, but when this series shifts back home later this week, I expect it to be electric.
💥 Carpenter’s Swing Changes Everything
In the top of the fifth, Kerry Carpenter stepped in against George Kirby and turned the entire game upside down. Kirby threw the same pitch twice in a row, and Carpenter must have had a sense that a third was coming. He didn’t miss and crushed it into the right-field seats for a two-run homer that gave Detroit a 2–1 lead.
It was Carpenter’s second career postseason blast — and it couldn’t have come at a better time. He’s quickly becoming one of those players you can trust when the stage brightens.
⚖️ Rodríguez Keeps Seattle Alive
Rodríguez came through again in the sixth, lacing a single to right that brought home Randy Arozarena and evened things at 2–2. From there, both bullpens took command, trading zeroes and pushing the game deep into the night.
🔥 McKinstry Comes Through in the 11th
Extra innings felt like a test of nerve. In the top of the 11th, Spencer Torkelson drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. With two outs, Zach McKinstry stepped up aggressive and confident.
He got a 99-mph sinker over the plate and did exactly what everyone in Detroit was hoping he would do — stayed short, broke his bat, and went up the middle to drive in the go-ahead run. Torkelson crossed the plate, and the Tigers reclaimed control, 3–2.
It wasn’t flashy — just playoff baseball at its finest.
🧊 Vest & Montero Close the Door and Carpenter’s Postgame Interview
Despite all the struggles Will Vest faced in his final few performances of the regular season, he seems to be back. His energy and fire are exactly what the Tigers needed to energize the squad. He pitched two innings and kept the Mariners at bay just long enough for McKinstry to deliver the game winning hit.
In the bottom of the 11th, Keider Montero — who is going to have a larger role as the Tigers move through the playoffs — took the ball and shut it down. Calm and collected, he retired Seattle to earn the save and secure a crucial road win.
Montero’s inning capped off a brilliant night from Detroit’s bullpen — seven innings of one-run baseball, and that bodes well for the confidence of a bullpen that has had its problems.
After the game, Carpenter was selected to do the postgame interview with FOX’s national crew — Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, Derek Jeter, and Kevin Burkhardt. He drew praise across the board. It was refreshing to see a Tiger shine on a national stage for all the right reasons. He also let everyone know that David Ortiz was his favorite player growing up, so that must have been pretty cool for him. Big Papi told Carpenter he was going to send him some swag, so he’s got that to look forward to!
🏟️ What It Means
For longtime fans, this was one of those nights that stirred something familiar — that edge-of-your-seat tension that defined past playoff runs. The Tigers looked confident, unshaken, and united. Carpenter’s swing, McKinstry’s clutch hit, and the bullpen’s great night made it feel like more than just a Game 1 win.
Detroit now leads the series 1–0, and Game 2 is absolutely critical for Seattle. With Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, set to pitch Sunday night, the Mariners are staring at a must-win. If they don’t take this one, it could spell doom before the series ever reaches Comerica Park — where Detroit’s faithful are ready to bring October energy back home.
Final: Detroit 3, Seattle 2 (F/11)
Series: Tigers lead 1–0
Next Up: Game 2 — Sunday night at T-Mobile Park (Skubal vs. Castillo)
