Here are Detroit Tigers-Seattle Mariners reactions from an epic do-or-die Game 5 in the ALDS of the 2025 MLB playoffs.
The Mariners outlasted the Tigers in 15 innings, 3-2, when Jorge Polanco hit a bases-loaded one-out single off Tommy Kahnle, who had just come on after Tigers pitchers had held the Mariners scoreless from the eighth inning on.
Fans and media reacted to the game by posting on X, including ripping Tigers manager A.J. Hinch for his bullpen decision-making in the seventh inning that started with Tarik Skubal’s night ending after six innings of one-run and 13-strikeout ball.
The Mariners will now face the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS, with Game 1 set for Sunday in Toronto.
Here are reactions during Game 5 of Tigers-Mariners.
A.J. Hinch ripped as reactions fly from Tigers vs Mariners
A.J. Hinch sending Kahnle out there is stupidest move in history of baseball
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) October 11, 2025
As soon as Kahnle came in I knew it was over. Goodnight to everyone except the middle of our lineup who went 0-fer, AJ Hinch, and our cheap front office people. I hate baseball.
— Brianne Barnes (@briannembarnes) October 11, 2025
I don’t understand why Parker Meadows and Colt Keith have been allowed to go a combined 0-14 tonight with Wenceel and Jahmai on the bench
— Greg Waddell (@gwizzy12) October 11, 2025
Seeing Tommy Kahnle enter in the 15th inning pic.twitter.com/5zjubO8TiQ
— Detroit Tigers memes (@TheRyanBlevins) October 11, 2025
Say what you want about Tommy Kahnle.
Say what you want about pulling Tarik Skubal.Riley Greene: 0-for-6
Spencer Torkelson: 0-for-6
Gleyber Torres: 0-for-6
Colt Keith: 0-for-5
Parker Meadows: 0-for-5In 15 innings, the Tigers scored on 1 swing. Eight hits and 17 strikeouts.
— Derick Hutchinson (@Derick_Hutch) October 11, 2025
Hinch went 0 pinch hitters and entrusted the game in Kahnle 💔 pic.twitter.com/EQcLbgrSIZ
— Zayaan (@ZayTurner24) October 11, 2025
Not on Kahnle.
This is on Meadows, Torkelson, Gleyber, Greene, and Keith. A combined zero hits.
Scott Harris for failing at the deadline.
AJ Hinch for not putting in Jones and Ibanez.
Our useless hitting staff.
And Illitch.
— Justin Scott (@justinorin_94) October 11, 2025
How Tommy Kahnle feels after ending his team’s season two years in a row pic.twitter.com/qEb16f0tVU
— ZW45 (@cywheela) October 11, 2025
Great call, AJ Hinch… let Tommy Kahnle, who’s allowed 26 ER in 29 innings since 6/28, pitch in a clutch situation…
Almost as smart as pulling Skubal after retiring 14 straight batters.
Now, fire the hitting coaches. Announce it during the press conference.
— Sean Williams (@AMCScam) October 11, 2025
AJ Hinch really looked at Troy “guaranteed a HR while reliving” Melton and said go save our season lol
— Matthew Vaughn (@Matthew38159082) October 11, 2025
I don’t know how AJ Hinch can justify using Meadows. Outside of speed, he’s provided minimal value.
— Justin (@tradeincoming) October 11, 2025
AJ Hinch takes out Skubal in the midst of all time dominance to play bullpen roulette
Doesn’t bring in Holton for the lefty Naylor???
Tries to force Seattle’s hand in the 7 spot except Dan Wilson gets the last laugh with double pinch hitter
Brutal
— Jim Costa (@JimCosta_) October 11, 2025
Thank god AJ Hinch took out Skubal at 99 pitches. Should be good to go spring training 2026
— Johnny (@JohnnyGiunta_) October 11, 2025
I will never forgive AJ Hinch if the Tigers lose this game. Best pitcher in the world and you don’t let him throw 100 pitches in the most important game of the year. #MLBPlayoffs#repdetroit#tigers
— State of MichiganMan (@stateofMIman) October 11, 2025
Aaron Boone : im the worst manager in the AL playoffs
Aj hinch : pic.twitter.com/WtTPl8280G
— John (@iam_johnw) October 11, 2025
AJ Hinch has done it again pic.twitter.com/rn35rExkAD
— Dr. Grizzo (PhD, MD, BA, MBA, 7’4 240 IQ) (@mrgrozz) October 11, 2025
AJ Hinch just wouldn’t let Tarik Skubal cook.
He chose Kyle Finnegan and Tyler Holton over the best pitcher in the entire league. https://t.co/n0D7hHRZ9dpic.twitter.com/spdmSbl0fd
— Scott Reichel (@ReichelRadio) October 11, 2025
Tie game, 2-2.
Kyle Finnegan got into trouble, and Tyler Holton couldn’t save him with two outs in the seventh inning. RBI single for pinch-hitter Leo Rivas. #Tigers
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) October 11, 2025
Hinch not pulling skubal was not the issue that inning. It was not bringing in Holton to face naylor.
— BS82 (@bschut) October 11, 2025
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tigers vs Mariners reactions start with A.J. Hinch ripped for moves
