ALCS Game 7: Blue Jays 4, Mariners 3
A game-altering three-run home run from George Springer pushed the host Toronto Blue Jays past the Seattle Mariners, 4–3, Monday night to secure their first World Series appearance in 32 years.
Trading Runs
Coming into Game Seven, Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor owned a .429 batting average in the ALCS. On Monday night, it was more of the same for Naylor, whose first-inning single scored Julio Rodriguez and gave the Mariners a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the first inning, Daulton Varsho offered a quick response at the plate. With two outs and two runners on, Varsho singled to center field to tie the game at one.
Rodriguez, Raleigh Go Deep
The top two hitters in the Mariners order, Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, made their marks on Game Seven two innings apart. In the top of the third inning, Rodriguez lifted a 423-foot solo home run into the left field seats, giving the Mariners a 2-1 advantage.
Two innings later, Raleigh lifted a towering solo home run over the right-field wall to extend the Mariners’ lead to two runs. With 65 total home runs between the regular season and postseason, Raleigh broke Aaron Judge’s record for the most combined home runs in a single season in American League history.
Springer Changes Game with One Swing
Down by two runs to start the seventh inning, a World Series trip seemed unlikely for the Toronto Blue Jays. However, Springer changed everything with one swing of the bat. With two men on base, Springer delivered one of the most memorable home runs in franchise history when he blasted a three-run home run into left field. This gave the Blue Jays a 4-3 lead, their first of the game.
What Went Right for the Blue Jays
The Blue Jays’ bullpen has been anything but consistent this year, but their relief corps got the job done Monday night. After Louis Varland allowed a home run to Cal Raleigh in the fifth inning, the next four Blue Jays pitchers threw a combined four hitless innings to finish the game.
What Went Wrong for the Blue Jays
Starting pitcher Shane Bieber failed to make it past the fourth inning for the second time in three postseason starts. The Blue Jays’ bullpen has been inconsistent all year, so the team needs to get all they can out of their starters going forward.
What Went Right for the Mariners
Despite struggling mightily in his Game Three start, Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby was much better on Monday night. In four innings, Kirby allowed one run on four hits while striking out four batters.
What Went Wrong for the Mariners
George Kirby did his job, but the Mariners’ bullpen couldn’t hold up its end of the bargain. Every Mariners reliever allowed multiple hits, while Bryan Woo and Eduard Bazardo allowed one and two earned runs, respectively.
Manager Reactions
Even though the Mariners fell short, manager Dan Wilson had positive things to say about his team postgame.
“It’s a special team in there,” said Wilson. “It’s a shame we had to come out on the wrong side of this one.”
After advancing to the Fall Classic for the first time in 32 years, Blue Jays manager John Schneider was elated.
“I couldn’t be happier for every guy on the team,” said Schneider postgame. “Not just the players, but the staff too.”
Looking Ahead
The Blue Jays will host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Game One of the World Series on Friday. Neither team has officially announced its starter, with the game beginning at 8 pm Eastern/5 pm Pacific.
