In a pivotal ALCS Game 5, the Seattle Mariners narrowly avoided a potential disaster by turning an improbable double play to escape a bases-loaded, no-outs jam, a defensive standout that fueled their comeback victory over the Toronto Blue Jays and edged them closer to their first World Series appearance.
The tension mounted in the top of the fourth inning with the Mariners clinging to a 1-0 lead, as the Blue Jays loaded the bases with no outs, putting immense pressure on starter Bryce Miller. Toronto had already stranded multiple runners, and with their offense threatening to break the game open, the Mariners needed a double play to survive the inning unscathed. Miller managed a crucial strikeout of Daulton Varsho, setting the stage for a dramatic defensive sequence that would define the game.
With Ernie Clement—batting .452 in the playoffs—at the plate, he swung at a first-pitch splitter that resulted in a weak tapper dying just in front of home plate. Catcher Cal Raleigh reacted instantly, throwing off his mask, fielding the ball, and stepping on the plate to force out the runner from third before unleashing a strong throw to first baseman Josh Naylor. This rare 2-3 double play not only ended the inning but also stranded three runners, leaving the Blue Jays frustrated and shifting momentum decisively.
The defensive heroics didn’t stop there, as left fielder Randy Arozarena made a leaping catch at the wall earlier in the game to rob Clement of a potential extra-base hit, further stifling Toronto’s offense. These plays energized the T-Mobile Park crowd and provided a crucial spark for the Mariners, highlighting how defense can catalyze offensive opportunities. Manager Dan Wilson praised Raleigh’s awareness and all-around performance, emphasizing his value in high-pressure situations.
Statistically, the bases-loaded, no-outs scenario had a high run expectancy, making the double play even more significant in altering the game’s trajectory. According to data, teams in such situations from 2021-2024 averaged 2.38 runs, underscoring how the Mariners defied odds to maintain their lead. This was the second double play turned by Seattle in the game, following an earlier one that erased a leadoff double, showcasing their defensive consistency under pressure.
Building on this momentum, the Mariners’ offense came alive in the later innings, with Raleigh hitting a game-tying home run and Eugenio Suárez delivering a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth to secure a 6-2 win. The comeback demonstrated the team’s resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments, with players noting how the defensive stands provided the confidence needed to mount an offensive surge. Raleigh reflected on the importance of making plays in tough innings, a sentiment echoed by his teammates.
With the victory, Seattle takes a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven ALCS, needing just one more win to advance to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. The series now shifts to Toronto for Game 6, where the Blue Jays will aim to force a decisive Game 7. Rookie Trey Yesavage has been named Toronto’s starter, while the Mariners look to close out the series behind their balanced attack.
This game will be remembered for its defensive gems, particularly the unlikely double play that turned the tide. As the Mariners stand on the brink of history, their ability to execute in clutch moments underscores the unpredictable nature of postseason baseball and sets the stage for an intense conclusion to the ALCS.