Detroit Red Wings vs Ottawa Senators Game Review: January 18, 2026

Detroit Red Wings 4, Ottawa Senators 3 (OT): A Thrilling Overtime Victory at Little Caesars Arena

The Detroit Red Wings extended their impressive recent run with a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in front of 19,515 passionate fans. The win marked Detroit’s sixth victory in their last seven games (6-1-0), keeping them firmly in playoff contention with a 30-16-4 record.

The Game-Winning Moment

Alex DeBrincat proved to be the hero of the night, scoring just 36 seconds into overtime to seal the victory for the Red Wings. After retrieving a loose puck, DeBrincat and linemate Andrew Copp executed a textbook 2-on-1 rush, exchanging passes before DeBrincat unleashed a wrist shot from the left circle that beat Senators goaltender James Reimer. “That’s a huge two points for us,” DeBrincat said after the game. “We didn’t have a great start, but we fought back to keep this run going.”

Standout Performances

Alex DeBrincat (DET) – Named the game’s first star, DeBrincat finished with a goal and an assist, bringing his season total to 26 goals and 27 assists.

John Gibson (DET) – The Red Wings goaltender was phenomenal, making 19 saves to win his sixth consecutive start. Gibson has been on fire since early December, posting an incredible 15-2-0 record with three shutouts since December 2.

Drake Batherson (OTT) – The second star of the game, Batherson tallied a goal and an assist, opening the scoring at 4:26 of the first period by knocking in a rebound after Gibson made back-to-back saves.

Andrew Copp (DET) – Copp was instrumental in the victory with two assists, including the setup on DeBrincat’s overtime winner.

Patrick Kane (DET) – The legendary American forward recorded an assist, bringing his career point total to 1,372 (500 goals, 872 assists), moving him within just two points of Mike Modano (1,374) for the most points by a U.S.-born player in NHL history.

James Reimer (OTT) – In his season debut after signing with Ottawa just two days earlier, the veteran goaltender made 30 saves in a strong performance. His last NHL game had been nearly nine months prior with Buffalo.

Game Flow and Key Moments

First Period – Ottawa’s Lightning Start

The Senators came out flying despite playing on back-to-back nights, having arrived in Detroit at 2 a.m. after an overtime loss to Montreal the previous evening. Batherson opened the scoring at 4:26, and just 39 seconds later, Dylan Cozens capitalized on a power play (assisted by Brady Tkachuk and Batherson) to give Ottawa a stunning 2-0 lead at 5:05.

However, Detroit responded quickly. Rookie defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka fired home a power-play goal from the point through traffic at 7:16, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and giving his team life. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan noted, “We obviously weren’t happy with our start. Getting that power-play goal quickly was big for us. We settled down and started playing after that.”

Second Period – Back-and-Forth Battle

The middle frame saw four goals scored in a thrilling display of offensive hockey. Lucas Raymond tied the game 2-2 at 6:06, beating Reimer through a Jake Sanderson screen with an assist from Marco Kasper.

James van Riemsdyk, the third star of the game, put Detroit ahead 3-2 at 16:53 with a highlight-reel power-play goal. In a chaotic scramble in front of the net, van Riemsdyk pulled the puck between his own legs to shield it from Reimer before lifting it over the goaltender’s pads. “There was some chaos in front, and my job is to find a way to get the puck into the net,” van Riemsdyk explained. “[Reimer] was trying to poke the puck away from me, so I was looking for a way to shield the puck and get enough room to put it over his pads.”

Ottawa refused to go away quietly. Shane Pinto tied the game 3-3 at 19:05 with a power-play goal, redirecting Claude Giroux’s pass in front with just 55 seconds remaining in the period.

Third Period and Overtime

The third period featured tight defensive play from both teams, with neither side able to break through. “The third period was just back and forth without anything much happening,” Senators coach Travis Green observed. “Anything can happen in overtime. We got a 2-on-1 and didn’t score, then they got one and did.”

That’s exactly what happened, as DeBrincat’s heroics 36 seconds into the extra frame secured the two points for Detroit.

Statistical Breakdown

The Red Wings dominated the shot count, outshooting Ottawa 34-22. However, the Senators won 59.3% of the faceoffs and delivered more hits (24-19). Special teams played a crucial role, with both teams scoring two power-play goals each. Detroit went 2-for-4 on the power play, while Ottawa converted 2-of-5 opportunities.

Notable Context

Reimer’s Remarkable Return: James Reimer’s season debut was particularly noteworthy. After signing with the Senators on Friday, the veteran goaltender stepped into action just two days later in a back-to-back situation. Despite the loss, his 30-save performance was encouraging. “It’s fun to play. This is the greatest game on Earth,” Reimer said. “I felt good. I was getting to my reads and seeing the puck pretty well. It would have been nice to get two points, but this is a good building block.”

Detroit’s Impressive Run: The Red Wings improved to 21-0-2 when scoring at least four goals this season, showcasing their ability to close out high-scoring games. Gibson’s remarkable stretch since early December has been a major factor in their success.

Ottawa’s Resilience: Despite playing on exhausted legs, the Senators earned a valuable point and extended their point streak to four games. Travis Green praised his team’s effort: “That was a hard-fought point. We got in at 2 [a.m.] and played at 5 [p.m.] against a really good team. I liked a lot of our game.”

The Bigger Picture

This victory keeps the Red Wings’ playoff hopes alive as they continue one of the most impressive stretches of their season. With DeBrincat finding his scoring touch, Gibson playing at an elite level, and Patrick Kane closing in on a historic milestone, Detroit has multiple storylines propelling them forward.

For Ottawa, the point gained on the road in a difficult back-to-back scenario could prove valuable as the season progresses. Batherson’s continued offensive production (now with 19 goals and 25 assists) gives the Senators a reliable scoring threat.

The game showcased everything fans love about hockey: early drama, clutch special teams play, outstanding goaltending, and a thrilling overtime finish that had the Little Caesars Arena crowd on their feet celebrating another Red Wings victory.

Photos: Glenn Gervais – In Play! magazine

The post Red Wings vs Senators Game Review: January 18, 2026 appeared first on In Play! magazine.

Innovation Takes Center Stage as 2026 Detroit International Auto Show Crowns Best-in-Class Vehicles

DETROIT, MI – January 14, 2026 – The automotive industry converged on Detroit’s Huntington Place this week as the 2026 Detroit International Auto Show kicked off with Media Day, showcasing the latest innovations in vehicle technology and design while honoring excellence with the prestigious North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards.

A Return to Tradition

After pandemic-related disruptions and a brief summer experiment, the Detroit Auto Show has firmly returned to its traditional January timeframe for the second consecutive year. The event opened with media and industry days on January 14-15, followed by the annual Charity Preview on January 16, before welcoming the public from January 17-25.

The show brings together more than two dozen automotive brands spanning from American classics like Ford, Chevrolet, and Cadillac to international luxury icons including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Maserati, and Porsche. With over 148,000 expected attendees and covering 2.6 million net square feet of exhibit space, the show represents a significant economic boost for Detroit and Michigan’s automotive heartland.

The 2026 NACTOY Awards: Celebrating Automotive Excellence

The highlight of Media Day was the announcement of the 2026 NACTOY award winners, determined by an independent jury of 50 professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. After a year-long evaluation process that began with semifinalists announced in September at CAR MBS at Michigan Central Station and finalists unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, three exceptional vehicles emerged victorious.

“These winners represent the best in the auto industry,” said Jeff Gilbert, president of NACTOY and automotive reporter at WWJ Radio. “This award has great value because of the diverse backgrounds of our jurors, and on behalf of those jurors, I offer deep congratulations to all of our winners for 2026.”

The Judging Criteria

Founded in 1994, NACTOY stands as the longest-running new-vehicle awards program not associated with a single publication. The awards’ credibility stems from their rigorous evaluation criteria and independent voting process, with ballots confidentially tallied by Deloitte LLP.

Vehicles are judged as benchmarks in their segments based on multiple factors:

• Innovation – Breakthrough technologies and forward-thinking features
• Design – Aesthetic appeal and functional styling
• Safety – Advanced safety systems and crash protection
• Performance – Driving dynamics and powertrain capabilities
• Technology – Infotainment, connectivity, and driver assistance systems
• Driver Satisfaction – Overall driving experience and ergonomics
• User Experience – Intuitive controls and everyday usability
• Value – Price-to-feature ratio and ownership costs

The Winners

North American Car of the Year: Dodge Charger

Total Votes: 195 | Starting MSRP: $49,995

The all-new Dodge Charger claimed the Car of the Year title in a closely contested race, marking a triumphant return to the brand’s gas-powered heritage after its electric detour. The multi-energy Charger lineup represents Dodge’s bold vision of offering customers the “power of choice” with both traditional and electric powertrains.

At the heart of the winning formula is the SIXPACK powertrain – a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that pays homage to the legendary 1970 Charger with three dual-barrel carburetors. This modern interpretation delivers stunning performance in two configurations:

• Charger R/T (Standard Output): 420 horsepower
• Charger Scat Pack (High Output): 550 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds

For electric enthusiasts, the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack offers 670 horsepower and blistering 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.3 seconds, making it the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car.

“The Dodge Charger is a tour de force and welcome return to the brand’s gas-fueled sweet spot after a detour down Electric Alley,” said Henry Payne, auto columnist at The Detroit News and NACTOY juror. “It’s also a lesson to the industry about the limitations of performance EVs. In addition to a great muscle car, the Charger is an all-around performer with hatchback utility, all-season all-wheel-drive capability, and terrific interior and exterior design.”

Key Innovations:

• Standard all-wheel drive across the entire lineup
• Available in both two-door coupe and four-door sedan configurations
• “Hidden hatch” design offering best-in-class rear cargo volume
• Widest body of any car in the industry
• 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Comprehensive suite of drive modes including Launch Control
• Most horsepower in the industry for under $55,000 (Scat Pack at $54,995)

The SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack delivers a compelling value proposition as the most powerful vehicle available in its price range, while maintaining the practicality and versatility that modern drivers demand.

North American Truck of the Year: Ford Maverick Lobo

Total Votes: 277 | Starting MSRP: $35,930

The Ford Maverick Lobo dominated the truck category with 277 votes, earning praise for pioneering a new segment: the sporty, affordable compact pickup. Building on the success of the standard Maverick, which has filled a niche many buyers didn’t know they needed, the Lobo variant adds performance credentials to the practical small truck formula.

“Ford’s Maverick Lobo opens the door to a new class of fun-to-drive compact pickups,” said Mark Phelan, auto critic and columnist at the Detroit Free Press. “It’s the first to make an affordable compact pickup the basis of a sporty pickup with street smarts and meaningful performance upgrades. It won’t be the last.”

The Maverick lineup has become a phenomenon since its introduction, offering buyers a workhorse truck, off-road adventurer, hybrid efficiency, and now with the Lobo, a sporty street performer – all in an affordable, maneuverable package.

Notable Features:

• Performance-tuned suspension and steering
• Sporty styling and interior appointments
• Maintains the Maverick’s versatile 4.5-foot bed
• Available hybrid powertrain for exceptional fuel economy
• Fits in standard parking spaces and garages
• Advanced driver assistance technology

Tom Voelk, reporter and photographer at Driven, noted: “Maverick continues to be the little truck that could, filling a niche buyers didn’t know they wanted or needed. The sporty Lobo completes the range that includes basic workhorse, off-road adventurer and hybrid efficiency. If only we were all as flexible and resourceful as Maverick.”

North American Utility Vehicle of the Year: Hyundai Palisade

Total Votes: 270 | Starting MSRP: $38,935

The redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade captured the Utility Vehicle of the Year crown with 270 votes, impressing jurors with its comprehensive redesign, sophisticated interior, and new hybrid powertrain option.

Building on the success of its first generation, which raised the bar for three-row SUVs, the all-new Palisade features boxy, contemporary styling with squared shoulders, an upright stance, and a commanding presence. More importantly, it delivers substance to match its style.

“The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a great family car, with 3 rows of seating, a posh interior and lots of safety equipment,” said Joann Muller, transportation correspondent at Axios. “With a starting price under $40,000 and a new hybrid powertrain available, it’s the perfect blend of value, technology and efficiency.”

Key Specifications:

• Powertrain Options:
  • 3.5-liter V6: 287 horsepower
  • 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid: 329 combined horsepower
• Longer wheelbase for improved interior space
• Seating for 7-8 passengers
• 6-speed automatic transmission (hybrid)
• Standard all-wheel drive available

Interior Innovation:
The Palisade’s interior represents a quantum leap in design sophistication. Hyundai drew inspiration from modern interior design principles, featuring pale colors, uncluttered surfaces, and minimalist aesthetics. Clever design touches include seamlessly stitched door panels that create the illusion of continuous leather surfaces.

Functional improvements include a gear shifter relocated to the steering column, freeing up center console space for an elevated wireless charging pad, ample cupholders, and generous storage compartments. Unique features include a UV-C light sanitizing function in the center console and a distinctive steering wheel design with a four-dot Morse code logo for “H” that changes color based on the selected drive mode.

John Vincent, senior editor for vehicle testing at U.S. News & World Report, summarized: “After raising the bar as to what three-row SUVs could be with its first generation, the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade, and especially its hybrid model, again sets the standard in the class. It’s simply the best SUV you can buy today.”

Photos: Glenn Gervais – In Play! magazine

Beyond the Awards: Show Highlights

The 2026 Detroit Auto Show extends far beyond the NACTOY awards, offering attendees a comprehensive automotive experience:

Interactive Experiences:

• Detroit Grand Prix Track – Indoor driving course featuring iconic landmarks from the actual Detroit Grand Prix street circuit
• Powering Michigan Track – Showcasing Michigan’s automotive innovation
• Ford Bronco “Built Wild Experience” – Off-road adventure demonstrations
• Camp Jeep – Trail-rated vehicle testing
• Michigan Overland Adventure – Exploration-focused exhibits
• The Gallery – Luxury brand showcase featuring premium marques

Special Events:

• AutoMobili-D Industry Days (January 14-15) – Cutting-edge technologies from startups and universities
• Racing Day (January 20) – Presented by the Detroit Grand Prix, featuring motorsports stars, race cars, and interactive experiences
• Modded Detroit – Celebrating Detroit’s underground car customization scene

Technology on Display:
The show features the latest in electric vehicles, autonomous driving systems, advanced driver assistance technologies, and connected car innovations. With the automotive industry in a period of rapid transformation, the Detroit Auto Show serves as a critical platform for manufacturers to showcase their vision for the future of mobility.

Industry Context

The 2026 awards mark a notable shift in the automotive landscape. After three consecutive years where electric vehicles won at least one NACTOY category, this year’s winners reflect a more balanced approach to powertrain technology. While the Dodge Charger offers both gas and electric options, and the Hyundai Palisade features a hybrid, the emphasis on internal combustion engines signals the industry’s recognition that the transition to electrification will be more gradual than initially projected.

The average price across the three category winners stands at $46,248, demonstrating NACTOY’s commitment to recognizing vehicles across the affordability spectrum. This contrasts with some finalists like the $96,500 Lucid Gravity and includes highly accessible options like the $23,400 Nissan Sentra, which also competed in the car category.

Looking Forward

As the 2026 Detroit Auto Show continues through January 25, it reinforces Detroit’s position as the heart of American automotive innovation. The NACTOY awards provide consumers with expert guidance on the year’s best vehicles, while the show itself offers a glimpse into an industry balancing heritage with innovation, performance with efficiency, and tradition with transformation.

“Our jurors found the Dodge Charger to be a thoroughly modern sports car that both looks to the future, but harkens back to a great heritage,” Gilbert noted. “Whether you want electric power or classic gasoline-powered muscle, it’s available. Congratulations to the Dodge team on this well-deserved honor.”

With public days running through January 25, automotive enthusiasts have ample opportunity to experience these award-winning vehicles firsthand, along with hundreds of other models representing the industry’s best and brightest innovations.

For Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO, the recognition validates his brand’s bold strategy: “Winning North American Car of the Year is a testament to Dodge’s continued willingness to break pattern and redefine segments. The Charger lineup delivers the power of choice, including the SIXPACK-powered Scat Pack’s 550 horsepower and the Daytona’s 670 horsepower, in both two-door and four-door configurations. This recognition validates our vision for the future of muscle.”

As the 2027 model year competition begins, the automotive industry continues its dynamic evolution, with Detroit remaining at the center of American automotive excellence.

The post 2026 Detroit International Auto Show Kicks Off appeared first on In Play! magazine.

Lancers Snatch Victory in Thrilling Last-Minute Finish Against Gee-Gees October 25, 2025

In a dramatic Ontario University Association (OUA) Football League showdown, the University of Windsor Lancers defeated the Ottawa Gee-Gees 31-24 in front of 4,532 fans at Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The victory came courtesy of a last-minute touchdown by quarterback Nick Dimovski, who punched in a one-yard run with just 20 seconds left on the clock to break a 24-24 tie.

The Lancers established an early advantage, building a commanding 24-7 lead by halftime. Running back Weabge Mombo was instrumental in Windsor’s ground attack, rushing for 109 yards on 11 carries and scoring a 24-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Liam Talbot added to the Lancers’ offensive firepower with a spectacular 39-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Ottawa mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. Quarterback Josh Janssen showcased his arm talent, completing 26 of 35 pass attempts for 307 yards, though he was intercepted once. His primary target, receiver Emyl Gregoire, hauled in seven receptions for 135 yards, consistently finding openings in Windsor’s secondary. The Gee-Gees’ ground game was led by Souleymane Camara, who contributed 35 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

The teams exchanged scores in a back-and-forth fourth quarter. Ottawa tied the game at 24-24 with just 2:20 remaining on the clock, setting the stage for Windsor’s heroic final drive. The Lancers marched 38 yards in seven plays, consuming the final two minutes before Dimovski’s game-winning plunge.

Windsor’s offensive balance proved decisive in the victory. The Lancers accumulated 415 total yards, with 223 yards coming on the ground (7.7 yards per carry) and 192 through the air. Dimovski finished 13-for-20 passing for 169 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing the game-winning rushing score. Colby Ginn emerged as Dimovski’s favorite target, catching three passes for 52 yards and a touchdown.

The win was critical for Windsor as they look ahead to their November 1st matchup against Queen’s in Windsor at Alumni Field. For the Gee-Gees, despite the loss, several players displayed standout performances. Besides Janssen and Gregoire’s aerial connection, Tristan Gilbert Thibault added five receptions for 76 yards, while Derrick Garraud-Boucard caught six passes including a touchdown.

Both teams demonstrated their offensive capabilities, each recording 19 first downs in the contest. However, Windsor’s ground superiority (223 rushing yards compared to Ottawa’s 86) ultimately proved to be the difference-maker in this tightly contested battle.

Special teams also played a significant role, with Windsor’s Brady Lidster converting all four extra points and adding a 20-yard field goal, while Ottawa’s Zachary Copeland was successful on three extra points and added a 35-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.

As the OUA playoff picture continues to develop, this thrilling victory keeps Windsor’s postseason aspirations alive while delivering a setback to Ottawa’s championship hopes. Both teams demonstrated why Ontario University football continues to showcase some of Canada’s most exciting collegiate athletic competition.

Photos: Glenn Gervais – In Play! magazine

The post Lancer Football Movin on in OUA Playoffs October 25, 2025 appeared first on In Play! magazine.

ALDS Game 4: Tigers Rally to Force Decisive Game 5 with Impressive 9-3 Victory Over Mariners October 8 2025

Game Summary

In a season-saving performance, the Detroit Tigers defeated the Seattle Mariners 9-3 on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Comerica Park to even the American League Division Series at two games apiece. The Tigers’ bats finally came alive at home, scoring their most runs in a postseason game since the 1968 World Series.

Starting Pitchers

The Tigers sent Casey Mize to the mound, who allowed just one run while striking out six batters through three innings but required 54 pitches to do so. For Seattle, Bryce Miller took the start and was effective early, having not allowed a run to Detroit in 23 1/3 innings before finally surrendering runs in the fifth inning of this contest.

Game Flow

Seattle built an early 3-0 lead through the first five innings. Dominic Canzone singled in the second inning to score Josh Naylor for the first run. Victor Robles grounded into a double play in the fourth that allowed Naylor to score again, and Cal Raleigh’s single in the fifth brought home Randy Arozarena to push the lead to 3-0.

The Tigers’ offense exploded in the fifth inning, scoring three runs to tie the game. Dillon Dingler doubled to bring in Zach McKinstry, followed by a pinch-hit double from Jahmai Jones and a game-tying single from Javier Báez.

Detroit seized control with a four-run sixth inning, highlighted by Riley Greene’s mammoth 454-foot home run off reliever Gabe Speier. Báez added a two-run homer in the same inning, putting an exclamation point on the Tigers’ comeback.

Standout Performances

Troy Melton (Tigers)

After a Game 1 start, Melton delivered a clutch relief performance, pitching three scoreless innings to earn the win. He allowed just two hits while striking out three batters and issuing one walk.

Javier Báez (Tigers)

The often-criticized shortstop silenced the doubters with a monster game, going 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs. His single in the fifth tied the game, and his homer in the sixth helped break it open.

Riley Greene (Tigers)

Greene’s 454-foot home run in the sixth inning gave Detroit its first lead and energized both the team and the crowd. It was the second-longest home run of Greene’s career and his first postseason homer.

Josh Naylor (Mariners)

Despite the loss, Naylor had an excellent game, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored.

Comerica Park Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Comerica Park shifted dramatically throughout the game. The crowd of 37,069 fans was tense and frustrated early, with audible boos directed at the Tigers as they fell behind 3-0. As Báez noted after the game, “I’ve heard boos my whole career, so I don’t mind them. That’s just showing the passion of our fans.”

However, the mood transformed completely during the fifth-inning rally, and the stadium erupted when Greene’s home run gave Detroit the lead in the sixth. It was the Tigers’ first win at Comerica Park in over a month, having gone 0-8 at home since September 6.

What’s Next

The decisive Game 5 will take place on Friday in Seattle, featuring a premier pitching matchup between Detroit’s ace Tarik Skubal and Seattle’s George Kirby. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch expressed confidence after the game, saying, “One of the easiest and most exciting things I get to do is hand the ball to the best pitcher in baseball. We’re getting on a plane across the country with a lot of optimism because of Tarik Skubal.”

The winner will advance to the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Photos: Glenn Gervais – In Play! magazine

The post Tigers vs Mariners ALDS Game 4 October 8 2025 appeared first on In Play! magazine.

ALDS Game 3 Review: Mariners Dominate Tigers October 7, 2025

Final Score: Seattle Mariners 8, Detroit Tigers 4

The Seattle Mariners took command of their American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers with a convincing 8-4 victory in Game 3 at Comerica Park on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The win gives Seattle a 2-1 series lead, putting them one victory away from reaching the ALCS for the first time since 2001.

Starting Pitchers

Seattle Mariners: RHP Logan Gilbert (6-6, 3.44 ERA regular season)
Detroit Tigers: RHP Jack Flaherty (8-15, 4.64 ERA regular season)

Game Highlights

Despite a lengthy rain delay (nearly three hours) that pushed back the 4:08 PM start time, Logan Gilbert delivered a masterful performance for the Mariners, throwing six innings of one-run ball while striking out seven Tigers batters without issuing a single walk. Gilbert’s command was impeccable as he needed just 85 pitches to navigate through Detroit’s lineup.

The Mariners’ offense provided plenty of support, starting with a two-run third inning where J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena both delivered RBI singles off Flaherty to give Seattle an early 2-0 lead. Eugenio Suárez extended the lead in the fourth with a solo home run, followed by an RBI single from Cal Raleigh that made it 4-0.

Detroit finally broke through in the fifth inning when Kerry Carpenter hit into a fielder’s choice that scored the Tigers’ first run, but Crawford answered with a solo homer in the sixth to push Seattle’s lead back to four runs.

Key Moments

The game’s defining moment came in the ninth inning when Cal Raleigh, MLB’s regular season home run leader, crushed a two-run homer to give Seattle a commanding 8-1 lead. This insurance proved crucial as Detroit mounted a desperate ninth-inning rally, scoring three runs before Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz entered to extinguish the threat and secure the victory.

In a moment that delighted social media, Raleigh’s home run landed directly in the hands of a fan wearing a shirt that read “Dump 61 Here” – an eerily accurate prediction of where the slugger’s blast would land.

Standout Performances

Logan Gilbert (SEA): The right-hander was brilliant, allowing just four hits and one earned run over six innings while striking out seven to earn the win.

J.P. Crawford (SEA): The Mariners’ shortstop had a perfect day at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs, two runs scored, and a walk.

Cal Raleigh (SEA): Seattle’s catcher continued his postseason heroics, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs.

Spencer Torkelson (DET): The Tigers’ first baseman provided a glimmer of hope in the ninth with a two-run double as part of Detroit’s late rally attempt.

Comerica Park Atmosphere

Comerica Park was electric with 41,525 fans packing the stands despite the weather delays. The crowd maintained high energy throughout the early innings but grew increasingly tense as Seattle built its lead. The ninth-inning rally briefly rejuvenated the home fans before Muñoz slammed the door on any comeback hopes.

The stadium buzz was palpable during pregame introductions as this marked Detroit’s first home playoff game of the 2025 postseason. Though dampened by both the weather and eventual outcome, Tigers fans remained engaged throughout, particularly during their team’s last-gasp effort in the ninth inning.

Looking Ahead

The Tigers will turn to former No. 1 overall pick Casey Mize to save their season in Game 4 on Wednesday, October 8, while Seattle will counter with right-hander Bryce Miller as they look to clinch the series and advance to the American League Championship Series.

As Cal Raleigh succinctly put it in his postgame comments: “Job’s not finished.” For Detroit, their season now hangs in the balance as they face elimination on their home field.

Photos: Glenn Gervais – In Play! magazine

The post ALDS Game 3 Review: Mariners Dominate Tigers October 7, 2025 appeared first on In Play! magazine.