In a pivotal ALCS Game 5, Randy Arozarena’s spectacular home run robbery in the eighth inning helped the Seattle Mariners secure a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, taking a 3-2 series lead and moving within one win of their first World Series appearance in franchise history.
The game unfolded on Friday, October 17, 2025, at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, with the Mariners implementing significant lineup changes aimed at sparking their offense. Manager Dan Wilson moved Julio RodrÃguez to the leadoff spot, elevated Josh Naylor to cleanup, and dropped Randy Arozarena to fifth in the order. Toronto’s Kevin Gausman delivered a solid start, allowing only three hits and one run over 5 2/3 innings, while Seattle’s Bryce Miller started but was pulled after four innings plus one batter in the fifth, with the game tied 1-1 after Eugenio Suárez’s solo homer in the second inning.
Arozarena’s game-changing moment came in the top of the eighth inning with the Mariners trailing 2-1. Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement hit a deep fly ball to left field that appeared destined for a home run, but Arozarena made a leaping catch at the wall to rob Clement, preventing an insurance run that would have extended Toronto’s lead. This defensive gem kept the score close and energized the home crowd, setting the stage for Seattle’s dramatic comeback in the bottom of the inning.
Seattle’s offense, which had been quiet for much of the game, erupted in the eighth. Cal Raleigh led off with a solo home run to tie the game, his 64th of the season. After walks to Leo Rivas and Josh Naylor, and a hit-by-pitch on Arozarena that loaded the bases, Eugenio Suárez launched a go-ahead grand slam off Seranthony DomÃnguez, capping a five-run inning and giving the Mariners a 6-2 lead. Suárez’s blast was his fourth grand slam of the year and shifted the momentum decisively in Seattle’s favor.
Earlier defensive plays were crucial in keeping the Mariners competitive. In the top of the fourth inning, Seattle escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam with a strikeout from Bryce Miller and a heads-up double play initiated by catcher Cal Raleigh, who fielded a tapper and threw to first after stepping on home plate. Additionally, Josh Naylor turned a double play in the third inning, highlighting a team effort that complemented Arozarena’s late-game heroics and kept the Blue Jays from building a larger lead.
The victory gives the Mariners a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series as it shifts back to Toronto for Game 6. Seattle, which had been outscored 21-6 in Games 3 and 4 at home, regained momentum and is now one win away from clinching their first-ever World Series berth. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, face elimination and must win two consecutive games at Rogers Centre to advance, adding pressure to a team that showed resilience but ultimately fell short in Game 5.
Looking ahead, Game 6 is scheduled for 8:03 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Toronto. If the Mariners win, they will make history with their first World Series appearance; if the Blue Jays prevail, a decisive Game 7 will follow on Monday. Arozarena’s clutch defense, combined with Suárez’s power hitting, has positioned Seattle for a potential championship run, underscoring the importance of timely plays in high-stakes postseason baseball.