Mariners Stay Home After 15-Inning Win Before ALCS Blue Jays

After a marathon 15-inning victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the ALDS, the Seattle Mariners face a quick turnaround. They’re heading straight into the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Seattle will arrive in Toronto late on Saturday night, with hardly any time to settle in before Sunday’s opener. This matchup brings together two very different paths—one team’s been grinding, the other’s been resting and plotting.

The Mariners are making their fourth trip to the ALCS and their first since 2001. The Blue Jays just pulled off a decisive upset over the Yankees and look fired up.

Seattle’s Road to the ALCS

The Mariners’ resilience has really stood out during their 2024 postseason run. Their Game 5 win over Detroit pushed their pitching staff to the absolute limit.

The club chose to stay in Seattle before flying to Toronto, hoping to recover at home. That means they’ll have almost no time to acclimate to the new city and ballpark, but maybe it’s worth the trade-off.

Bryce Miller’s Short Rest Start

Manager Dan Wilson says Bryce Miller’s getting the ball for Game 1. Miller will pitch on just three days’ rest after throwing 55 pitches in Game 4 of the ALDS.

Wilson’s plan seems pretty clear—let Miller go as far as he can and trust him to handle the pressure. It’s a bold move against one of the league’s most dangerous lineups.

Toronto’s Preparation and Pitching Advantage

The Blue Jays took care of the Yankees in four games and got to rest up. That extra recovery could make a real difference in a series where everyone’s nerves and bodies are tested.

Toronto manager John Schneider tabbed veteran righty Kevin Gausman for Game 1, praising his calm and leadership in big games. Gausman’s been here before and knows how to handle the spotlight.

Bo Bichette’s Possible Return

There’s some buzz around the Blue Jays’ lineup with the possible return of Bo Bichette. He’s been out since early September with a sprained knee, but just ran the bases recently—a good sign he might be ready to go.

If Bichette plays, Toronto’s offense and infield defense both get a serious lift. That’s not something Seattle can ignore.

Regular Season History Favors Toronto

The Blue Jays have a regular-season edge over Seattle, winning four of six meetings, including a sweep back in May. That might give Toronto some confidence, but let’s be honest—postseason baseball rarely follows the script.

Seattle’s lineup is packed with hitters who can change a game in a heartbeat. They’re not just going to roll over.

Power Threat: Cal Raleigh

One of those game-changers is Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. He mashed 60 home runs in the regular season—yeah, you read that right—and he’s hit well in Toronto before.

If Seattle’s going to get past the Blue Jays’ deep pitching, Raleigh’s bat probably needs to show up in a big way.

Emerging Talent Shaping Game 2

Toronto’s rookie sensation Trey Yesavage is lined up for Game 2. He struck out 11 Yankees in his ALDS debut and suddenly everyone’s talking about him.

His rise through the minors was fast, and now he’s having a postseason breakout. The Blue Jays just found themselves another weapon.

Series Outlook and Key Factors

Here’s what could swing the series:

• Pitching endurance—Can Seattle stretch Miller on short rest, or will Toronto’s fresh rotation dominate?
• Star impact—Will Bichette return, and can Cal Raleigh keep crushing?
• Momentum versus rest—Does Seattle’s battle-tested rhythm beat Toronto’s fresher legs?
• Rookie performance—Is Yesavage the wild card that tips Game 2?

Final Thoughts

This ALCS matchup feels like a real study in contrasts. The Mariners are riding the adrenaline of recent triumphs.

The Blue Jays, on the other hand, have the advantage of rest and preparation. Both squads bring a ton of talent.

Each manager clearly trusts their chosen ace. Will Seattle’s perseverance win out, or will Toronto’s strategic readiness carry the day?

Honestly, it’s tough to call. Fans can expect intense battles, dramatic shifts in momentum, and the sort of October baseball that sticks in your memory.

Opening night always sets the tone. With Miller and Gausman ready to duel, Sunday’s Game 1 might just light the fuse for an unforgettable series.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mariners stay home to avoid fatigue after 15-inning win sets up ALCS battle with Blue Jays