SEATTLE – With a runner on second base and his team threatening to tie the game up, Seattle Mariners infielder Leo Rivas knew it could be his time make an impact.

He just didn’t know the type of impact he was about to make.

On to the ALCS: Polanco lifts Mariners over Tigers in ALDS epic

The M’s found themselves with their best chance to score in Game 5 of the ALDS since the second inning when Jorge Polanco walked with one out in the seventh and Josh Naylor moved him to second with a two-out single.

With Detroit right-hander Kyle Finnegan on the mound, manager Dan Wilson turned to the left-handed bat of Dominic Canzone to pinch-hit for designated hitter Mitch Garver. Meanwhile, Rivas was thinking he might run for Polanco to give Seattle a little extra speed at second base.

Instead, Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch countered with a left-hander out of the bullpen when Canzone was announced to pinch-hit. Wilson countered that counter with a move of his own, giving the longtime minor leaguer Rivas his first career postseason at-bat in one of the most critical moments of the season – and on Rivas’ 28th birthday, too.

Rivas’ last at-bat had come in the Mariners’ regular season finale Sept. 28. But a lack of playing time hadn’t stopped the Maracay, Venezuela, native from delivering when his name was called upon earlier this year, and it didn’t Friday night during the decisive Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Tigers, either.

Rivas stepped up to the plate and smoothly stroked a single into left field, driving in the tying run as Seattle went on to outlast Detroit 3-2 in a 15-inning marathon and clinch their first AL Championship Series berth since 2001.

LEO RIVAS TIES IT!!! #SeizeTheMoment pic.twitter.com/FdtiEhZ26L

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) October 11, 2025

Advertisement

“I was like, ‘All right, Polo is on second. I might run for him,’” Rivas said postgame. “I don’t know if I’m going to pinch-hit right now, but I was thinking of running more than pinch-hitting. Then they just told me that (I was going to hit), and I thought, ‘Let’s go.’”

Leo Rivas was prepared to potentially pinch run for Jorge Polanco before he came and delivered the game-tying hit in the seventh. pic.twitter.com/5NiIhF4mqc

— Zac Hereth (@ZacHereth) October 11, 2025

It was certainly the biggest hit of Rivas’ life, and it was type that will put him forever in Mariners lore as an unlikely postseason hero.

But while Rivas’ big moment may come as a surprise to many, especially those who don’t watch the M’s on a daily basis, it wasn’t much of a surprise to those who are around him everyday in the clubhouse.

“Man, he’s one of those guys that – he’s always prepared,” Polanco said. “He’s always working. He’s always doing his thing, getting early to the field and doing all that kind of stuff. So I feel pretty good about him.

“It is his birthday today too, so it’s a special day for him, and I’m glad he got that at-bat and delivered in a big moment.”

Manager Dan Wilson said there was some thought as to whether or not they should leave Canzone in to face Tigers lefty Tyler Holton, but the switch-hitting Rivas had proven in the limited chances he’s received this year that he’s more than adequate from the right side of the plate.

“He swings the bat very well from the right side, and I just thought he puts together such a good at-bat and he waits for a pitch,” Wilson said. “And he got a pitch and put a really good swing on it. When you’re not out there regularly, that’s a difficult task. But he was up to the task tonight. It was a huge hit.”

As far as the person goes, Rivas is an easy one to root for.

He’s beloved in the clubhouse by many. He spent 10 seasons grinding through the minor leagues before getting his first taste of big leagues last year. And even though he was productive when up with the big club this year and tore up Triple-A while in Tacoma, he found himself in the minors again for a good chunk of this season.

“All glory to God. He knows what I’ve been through,” Rivas said. “… I’m just happy with God, that he’s been good for me, for my family too, that he keeps me where I’m at right now. I’m just grateful.”

As for where Friday ranks for Rivas in terms of birthdays? It’s pretty high on the list.

“Best day ever,” he said. “Best day ever.”

Seattle Mariners coverage

• Jon Morosi’s takeaways from Mariners’ Game 5 ALDS win
• Rizzs calls ALDS Game 5 win: ‘The Mariners win the battle in Seattle’
• Humpy mascot gets 1st-ever win, then Seattle Mariners walk off into ALCS
• Josh Naylor, crowd noise make early mark on Game 5 for Mariners
• Griffey makes entrance you have to see for Seattle Mariners’ Game 5

Follow @ZacHereth