Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched his sixth home run of the postseason, tying the Blue Jays’ franchise record, as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Seattle Mariners 6-2 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday, forcing a decisive Game 7. Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage delivered a standout performance with 5⅔ innings of two-run ball, striking out seven and walking three, while the team’s defense played flawlessly.
Playing at a raucous Rogers Centre, the Blue Jays capitalized on early opportunities. In the second inning, Mariners’ errors by Julio Rodríguez and Eugenio Suárez allowed Daulton Varsho and Ernie Clement to reach base, setting up RBI singles from Addison Barger and Isiah Kiner-Falefa for a 2-0 lead. An inning later, Barger hammered a two-run homer off Logan Gilbert, doubling the advantage and energizing the home crowd.
Yesavage, in only his sixth major league start since debuting on September 15, faced multiple threats but escaped unscathed thanks to three consecutive inning-ending double plays with the bases loaded. This remarkable feat included double plays induced from Cal Raleigh, J.P. Crawford, and Julio Rodríguez over the third, fourth, and fifth innings, stifling Seattle’s rallies and showcasing the rookie’s composure under pressure.
Guerrero’s historic blast came leading off the fifth inning, a solo shot that extended the lead to 5-0 and tied him with Blue Jays legends José Bautista and Joe Carter for most postseason home runs. He later scored another run in the seventh after being hit by a pitch, advancing on a single, wild pitch, and an error by Raleigh, highlighting his all-around contribution to the win.
The Mariners finally broke through in the sixth inning with a two-out rally. Josh Naylor homered for Seattle’s first run, and Randy Arozarena singled, chasing Yesavage. Eugenio Suárez then blooped a double to score Arozarena, but that was all the offense Seattle could muster against Toronto’s bullpen, as the team struggled with runners in scoring position and committed three errors.
Louis Varland and Jeff Hoffman combined for 3⅓ scoreless innings of relief, securing the win and setting the stage for Game 7. The victory forces the first Game 7 in Blue Jays history since 1985 and the first ever for the Mariners franchise, with the winner advancing to the World Series to face the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Game 7 is set for Monday night at Rogers Centre, with both teams seeking their first American League pennant in decades—Toronto since 1993 and Seattle for the first time ever. The dramatic win keeps Toronto’s championship dreams alive and promises a thrilling conclusion to a hard-fought series.