Mariners 6, Blue Jays 2
Cal Raleigh hit a game-tying solo home run in the eighth inning before Eugenio Suarez hit a grand slam, blowing the game open and giving the Seattle Mariners a 6–2 win in Game Five of the ALCS and a 3–2 series lead over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Suarez Opens Scoring With Home Run
Already with a hit in every game of the series, Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez stayed hot in the bottom of the second. On the first pitch he saw from Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman, Suarez lifted a home run into the left field seats to give Seattle an early 1–0 advantage.
Blue Jays Falter With Bases Loaded
In the top of the fourth, Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement came to the plate with the bases loaded and only one out. With the Blue Jays behind 1–0, this represented a perfect opportunity for them to at least draw even. Clement, however, grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Springer Ties Game With Base Hit
For the third straight game, Blue Jays outfielder George Springer registered an RBI, this time in the fifth. With Addison Barger on second base, Springer doubled to center field to score Barger and tie the game at 1–1.
Clement Redeems Himself
After grounding into a double play earlier, Clement came through in the sixth inning with an RBI that scored Alejandro Kirk. This gave the Blue Jays a 2–1 lead.
Raleigh, Suarez Help Mariners Regain Lead
To open the eighth inning, Cal Raleigh delivered his fourth home run of the postseason. A solo shot, Raleigh’s home run tied the game at 2–2.
However, just a few batters later, Eugenio Suarez hit one of the most memorable home runs in Mariners’ postseason history. With the bases loaded, Suarez hit an opposite-field home run to blow the game open and put Seattle in front 6–2.
What Went Right For Mariners
The Mariners’ trade deadline acquisitions have proved their worth as of late. One night after Josh Naylor went deep in Game Four, Eugenio Suarez hit two home runs in Game Six to propel Seattle to victory.
What Went Wrong For Mariners
For the second straight game, Jorge Polanco went hitless. He’s arguably been the Mariners’ best hitter this postseason, so the they will need him to contribute going forward.
What Went Right For Blue Jays
Kevin Gausman had yet another strong start for the Blue Jays. After allowing one run in over five innings, Gausman lowered his postseason ERA to 2.12.
What Went Wrong For Blue Jays
The Blue Jays’ bullpen has nagged them all year, and Friday was no different. Blue Jays relievers allowed five earned runs tonight, with Brendon Little accounting for three and Seranthony Dominguez accounting for two.
Manager Reactions
After Raleigh and Suarez both had big nights, Mariners manager Dan Wilson detailed postgame what led to their success.
“A huge day for Geno, a huge day for Cal,” said Wilson. “Ironically, the two guys that didn’t switch spots in the lineup.”
Despite struggling mightily on Friday, Blue Jays manager John Schneider gave a vote of confidence to Brendon Little after the game.
“We talked about it all series,” said Schneider. “Little’s been one of our best pitchers in the big spots.”
Looking Ahead
Both teams will have an off day tomorrow, before the series returns to Toronto for Game Six. Rookie Trey Yesavage will make his third start of the postseason for the Blue Jays. The Mariners have yet to announce a starter. The first pitch of Sunday’s game is scheduled for 8:03 pm Eastern.
More Seattle Mariners Articles
More Toronto Blue Jays Articles
More MLB Articles
Main Photo:
- Categories
-
Seattle Mariners
Toronto Blue Jays
