The Toronto Blue Jays are heading back to the World Series for the first time in 31 years. They pulled off a dramatic 4–3 comeback win over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.
The Rogers Centre crowd was wild all night. Veteran slugger George Springer flipped the script with a clutch three-run homer in the seventh inning, giving Toronto a shot at the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Springer’s Game-Changing Moment
The Blue Jays trailed 3–1 late. They needed something—anything—to spark them.
George Springer, with his knack for delivering in October, stepped up. He faced Mariners reliever Eduard Bazardo and blasted a towering drive over the left-field fence, sending the crowd into absolute chaos.
The Managerial Decision That Changed the Game
Seattle looked in control for most of the night. Julio RodrÃguez and Cal Raleigh both homered early, and Bryan Woo kept the Jays at bay in the middle innings.
But in the seventh, Mariners manager Dan Wilson made a move that left some scratching their heads. He pulled Woo for Bazardo, even though closer Andrés Muñoz was still waiting in the bullpen.
Bazardo immediately gave up the game’s biggest hit to Springer. That decision will haunt Seattle for a while.
Dominant Pitching Down the Stretch
Once the Jays grabbed the lead, manager John Schneider wasted no time. He rolled out Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and Jeff Hoffman one after another to get the final nine outs.
Hoffman’s Electric Ninth Inning
Hoffman looked untouchable in the ninth. He struck out all three batters, and the place just about exploded.
Fans were on their feet, reliving the magic of Joe Carter’s 1993 walk-off. It felt like a throwback to the Jays’ glory days.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Named ALCS MVP
Springer’s homer was the highlight, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was steady all series. He hit .385 with three homers and an OPS of 1.330.
That kind of production powered Toronto’s lineup. No surprise—he took home the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player award.
Springer’s Place in History
Springer’s blast marked his 23rd career postseason home run. That ties him with Kyle Schwarber for third-most in MLB history.
Honestly, he just keeps proving he’s one of the most dangerous hitters in October.
Seattle’s Heartbreak Continues
The Mariners’ loss stings. Their World Series drought, stretching back to 1977, still isn’t over.
They were just nine outs away from finally breaking through. It slipped away in a hurry.
Key Factors in Seattle’s Defeat
Several moments doomed Seattle:
- Dan Wilson didn’t call on closer Andrés Muñoz in the seventh
- All their runs came on solo shots from RodrÃguez and Raleigh
- The lineup went quiet against Toronto’s bullpen late
What’s Next: Blue Jays vs. Dodgers
Now, Toronto gets the Dodgers in the World Series. Game 1 is set for October 24 at Rogers Centre.
It’s a showdown between two loaded lineups and pitching staffs that know how to win. Should be a wild ride.
Potential Storylines to Watch in the World Series
The upcoming Fall Classic promises intrigue on multiple fronts:
- Can the Blue Jays capture their first title since 1993?
- Will Springer add to his postseason home run tally?
- Can Guerrero Jr. keep up his red-hot hitting against the Dodgers’ elite rotation?
Momentum’s on the Blue Jays’ side, and honestly, this city’s been starving for another championship. Toronto’s road to the World Series feels wide open right now—anticipation is building with every pitch.
Here is the source article for this story: Mariners vs Blue Jays Game 7 live: Score, lineups, how to watch do-or-die ALCS duel
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