Kerry Carpenter's five-base-on-base, one-home-run performance in a winner-take-all ALDS game kept Detroit in the fight through 15 innings but wasn't enough as Seattle advanced to its first ALCS since 2001. Carpenter went 4-for-7 with two walks, including a two-run homer that gave the Tigers a brief 2-1 edge in a marathon.

Carpenter's feat lands him in MLB postseason lore alongside Babe Ruth for the rare mix of five times on base and a homer in a deciding game. Tarik Skubal spun a strong start, but Detroit's offense stalled late; Seattle used depth and timely hits to seal the win. Carpenter's clutch performance marks him as Detroit's upcoming centerpiece as the team looks ahead.

Zach McKinstry tapped a seagull moment before Game 5, letting Elliott Bay and the city backdrop anchor a mindset to play freely. A Bible reference on provision frames the pressure of a winner-take-all as an opportunity to trust his instincts.

Slotted at third and sixth in the order, he plans steady defense and timely contact to drive Detroit’s offense against Seattle, turning the big moment into a springboard toward the ALCS.

Detroit has navigated do-or-die results before; McKinstry’s calm, prepared approach signals a team-wide push to seize the night and keep playoff hopes alive.

Detroit hosts Seattle in ALDS Game 3 with the series tied 1-1 and a winner-takes-next-step vibe in the Motor City. Gilbert’s postseason strikeout form against Detroit anchors the prop slate, while McKinstry’s October skid makes his 0-for-appearance a focal point for under bets. Expect a tight, run-sparse night with late-inning leverage shaping the outcome.

Predictions center on McKinstry under 0.5 hits, under 8.5 total runs, and Gilbert over 5.5 Ks, reflecting Seattle’s pitching edge, Detroit’s postseason whiffs, and a likely low-scoring battle where bullpen depth could decide the margin.