The Toronto Blue Jays have secured a historic victory, clinching the American League pennant with a thrilling 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series. The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when George Springer delivered a go-ahead, three-run homer that sent the Blue Jays to the World Series for the first time since 1993. This victory marks a significant moment for Canadian baseball, as the World Series will be played on Canadian soil for only the third time in over three decades.
Springer’s pivotal home run off Mariners reliever Eduard Bazardo energized the packed Rogers Centre crowd of 44,770 fans and overturned Seattle’s 3-1 lead. The Blue Jays capitalized on a series of key plays in the seventh inning, beginning with Addison Barger’s walk and Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s clutch single, which set the stage for Springer’s dramatic blast. The homer was particularly historic—it was the first go-ahead home run in Game 7 history when a team was trailing by multiple runs in the seventh inning or later. Additionally, it marked Springer’s 23rd career postseason home run, tying him with Kyle Schwarber for third place all-time behind Manny Ramírez’s record of 29.
Toronto’s manager, John Schneider, praised Springer’s “October magic,” noting how the bottom of the lineup delivered when it mattered most. Springer himself expressed immense joy, emphasizing the significance of the moment for his team, fans, city, and country. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who earned ALCS MVP honors for his stellar performance throughout the series, echoed the sentiment, reminding everyone that the team’s journey is far from over with four more games to play in the World Series.
The Blue Jays will now face the Los Angeles Dodgers, who swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series last week. The Dodgers, the defending World Series champions, promise a formidable challenge, featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani. Schneider expressed confidence that the two best teams remain standing, setting the stage for an epic Fall Classic beginning Friday in Toronto.
Despite the loss, the Seattle Mariners showed heart and determination, competing in their first-ever Game 7 in the postseason. Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez each contributed solo home runs for Seattle, with Rodríguez’s leadoff homer in the third inning restoring the Mariners’ lead and Raleigh’s powerful blast in the fifth extending it to 3-1. Raleigh, who led the majors with 60 home runs during the regular season, has been particularly effective at Rogers Centre, boasting 10 homers in 15 career games there, including multiple postseason rounds.
However, Seattle’s bullpen faltered in the crucial seventh inning, as Bryan Woo was pulled after allowing a sequence of hits and walks that loaded the bases. Mariners’ catcher Raleigh candidly called the defeat a “failure,” acknowledging that the team’s goal was not only to reach the World Series but to win it. Mariners manager Dan Wilson lamented the painful loss but praised the special nature of the team and the effort put forth throughout the season.
Toronto’s pitching staff played a critical role in maintaining the narrow lead after Springer’s homer. Kevin Gausman, making his first relief appearance since the 2021 playoffs, skillfully navigated a challenging seventh inning despite issuing three walks, ultimately earning the win. Chris Bassitt followed with a flawless eighth inning, and Jeff Hoffman closed out the game with a perfect ninth, striking out all three batters to secure his second save of the postseason.
The game itself was a tightly contested back-and-forth affair. Seattle struck first when Julio Rodríguez doubled and then scored on a single by Josh Naylor. Toronto responded quickly, with Daulton Varsho driving in a run in the bottom half of the inning to tie the score. Rodríguez’s third-inning homer and Raleigh’s fifth-inning blast gave Seattle a 3-1 advantage, but the Blue Jays’ resilience shone through as they clawed back late in the game.
Toronto’s starting pitcher Shane Bieber struggled to contain the Mariners’ offense, allowing two runs and seven hits over just three and two-thirds innings, while walking one and striking out five. Seattle starter George Kirby pitched four innings, giving up one run on four hits, walking one, and striking out three. A controversial moment occurred early in the game when Josh Naylor was called out for interference after deflecting a throw during a double play attempt,