George Springer’s clutch three-run home run in the seventh inning of Game 7 secured a dramatic 4-3 victory for the Toronto Blue Jays over the Seattle Mariners, sending Toronto to its first World Series since 1993. The Blue Jays will host the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 on Friday, capping an emotional ALCS comeback that showcased resilience and late-game heroics.
The Mariners started strong, with Julio Rodríguez doubling and scoring on Josh Naylor’s single in the first inning. However, a bizarre double play ended the threat when Naylor was called for obstruction after being hit by Ernie Clement’s throw. Toronto answered immediately, tying the game on Daulton Varsho’s RBI single off George Kirby, but Kirby settled in to blank the Blue Jays over the next three innings, keeping Seattle in control.
Seattle built momentum with Rodríguez’s solo homer in the third inning off Shane Bieber and Cal Raleigh’s blast in the fifth, his fifth of the postseason, putting the Mariners ahead 3-1. As the game progressed, the Blue Jays struggled to generate offense, with the Rogers Centre crowd growing anxious as time ticked away on their season, setting the stage for a pivotal seventh-inning rally.
In the decisive seventh, Bryan Woo relieved Kirby and allowed a walk and a single, setting up Springer’s at-bat. Springer, who had been hit by a pitch in Game 5 and was visibly limping, faced Eduard Bazardo and launched a sinker into the left field seats for a go-ahead three-run homer, electrifying the stadium and shifting the momentum entirely in Toronto’s favor.
The Blue Jays’ bullpen shut down Seattle from there, with Chris Bassitt pitching a scoreless eighth and Jeff Hoffman striking out all three batters in the ninth to secure the win. The victory triggered wild celebrations among players and fans, with Springer’s homer echoing historic moments like Joe Carter’s 1993 walk-off, underscoring the significance of the achievement for the franchise.
After the game, an emotional Springer humbly credited his teammates and expressed his joy for the city and country. ‘I owe it to these fans, this city, this country to give it my all,’ he said, highlighting his dedication despite the injury. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was named ALCS MVP after a stellar series, batting .385 with three home runs, emblematic of the team’s collective effort.
This victory ends a 32-year World Series drought for the Blue Jays, evoking memories of past glory while setting up a compelling matchup with the Dodgers. For the Mariners, the loss means they remain the only MLB franchise never to reach the World Series, a heartbreaking conclusion to a season that included a 90-win campaign and an unforgettable Division Series clincher.
The World Series promises to be a thrilling contest, pitting Toronto’s powerful lineup against Los Angeles’ experienced roster, with both teams vying for the championship. As the Blue Jays prepare for Friday’s opener, the focus shifts to whether they can capitalize on this momentum to capture their first title since 1993, while the Mariners reflect on what might have been.