Seattle, WA
‘Best day ever’ for Seattle Mariners’ unlikely Game 5 hero
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
“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
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Seattle, WA
Seattle officials probe food safety violations at Indian restaurant after illness outbreak
SEATTLE — An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness linked to Thanksgiving meals from Kanishka Cuisine of India in Seattle has affected 35 people, prompting a public health investigation.
The illnesses, which began between Nov. 28 and Nov. 29, 2025, are associated with the restaurant’s “Fusion Thanksgiving Feast,” prepared for customer pickup or delivery. Although no specific food or drink has been identified as the cause, the symptoms align with those caused by bacterial toxins, which can develop when food is improperly stored at room temperature.
SEE ALSO | Multiple unpermitted Seattle food vendors shut down over health violations
Public Health officials have conducted interviews with 16 affected people to gather information on their symptoms and food consumption. Symptoms reported include diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, and body aches. Fortunately, no hospitalizations or deaths have been reported, and no restaurant workers have shown signs of illness.
During a Dec. 2 inspection, several food safety violations were identified at Kanishka Cuisine of India, including inadequate equipment and space for safely preparing the large volume of food required for the feast, improper cooling methods, and failure to maintain safe food temperatures.
Despite educational efforts and a follow-up visit on Dec. 4, the restaurant continued to exhibit unsafe food handling practices, leading to its temporary closure. The establishment is now discarding unsafe food and retraining staff on proper food safety protocols.
Laboratory tests on four people affected by the outbreak returned negative for common gastrointestinal pathogens such as norovirus, Salmonella, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. However, these tests do not detect bacteria that produce toxins, such as Bacillus cereus and Clostridium perfringens, which are known to cause rapid-onset foodborne illness.
Public Health advises the public to report any suspected foodborne illnesses and to file complaints about food safety violations.
For those who may have consumed food from Kanishka Cuisine of India and are experiencing symptoms, contact Public Health at 206-296-4774 or toll-free at 1-800-325-6165, ext. 6-4774, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tonight’s Christmas lights spotlight: Eric‘s display at 5629 34th Avenue SW, which has become a tradition … evoking Christmas spirit a la “Miracle on 34th Street” even though here in West Seattle the numbered streets are Avenue. He also added the greeting to the image he’s sharing this year. Thanks to everyone who’s sending photos and/or tips – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
With one game to go in Week 14, Bleacher Report’s NFL analysts of Brent Sobleski, Gary Davenport, Kris Knox and Moe Moton did their usual due diligence when it came to winners, losers, and takeaways from the league’s most recent action.
On Sunday afternoon, the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons were tied at 6-6 at intermission. Mike Macdonald’s team outscored their hosts, 31-3, in the second half on the way to a resounding 37-9 win. It was a third straight win for the ‘Hawks since that 21-19 loss to the Rams in Week 11 at SoFi Stadium.
The B/R team’s takeaway from the 28-point win is that it’s time to talk about Macdonald’s club as a “legitimate Super Bowl threat.”
“Despite having an excellent season, the Seattle Seahawks haven’t had a ton of run as a top contender to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LX. After dismantling the Falcons in Atlanta, Seattle should. There wasn’t anything the Seahawks didn’t do well Sunday against the Falcons. Sam Darnold was again effective and efficient throwing the ball. The team didn’t post gaudy numbers running the ball, but it was solid on a per-carry basis. The defense forced multiple second-half turnovers and held Falcons running back Bijan Robinson in check.”
Seattle limited Robinson, who lost a fumble, to 94 total yards from scrimmage. They did not give up a touchdown and allowed only 274 total yards. The Falcons were 1-of-13 on third-down conversions. They seem to be playing their best football of the season and have an opportunity to win their first division title since 2020.
“With a home date with the Los Angeles Rams and a trip to San Francisco still on the schedule, the Seahawks have a real chance to claim first place in the NFC West—and the No. 1 seed in the NFC is still very much in play.”
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