TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays are heading to their first World Series since 1993 following a heart-stopping 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. The win caps a dramatic series that saw the Blue Jays claw back from deficits, with designated hitter George Springer delivering a late-game heroics that will be remembered by fans for years to come.
Things looked bleak for Toronto until the seventh inning, when Springer smashed a three-run home run that gave the Blue Jays a lead they would not relinquish. The blast energized the Rogers Centre crowd and set up a marquee World Series matchup: the American League champions versus the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Seattle, meanwhile, came out swinging in the high-stakes Game 7. Julio Rodriguez set the tone with a leadoff double down the left-field line, quickly putting the Mariners in scoring position. Cal Raleigh, Seattle’s MVP candidate, struck out on a high fastball, but Josh Naylor delivered with a single that drove in Rodriguez, putting Seattle up 1-0.
The first inning also saw a controversial play that left fans and players buzzing. Jorge Polanco hit a groundball to third baseman Ernie Clement, who was positioned slightly towards shortstop. Clement’s throw to first glanced off Naylor’s helmet in a bizarre turn of events. After a discussion among the six-man umpiring crew, Naylor was deemed to have obstructed the throw deliberately, and Polanco was called out to end the inning.
Toronto quickly bounced back. In the bottom of the first, Daulton Varsho delivered a soft groundball single, tying the game 1-1. After a scoreless second inning, Rodriguez put the Mariners back in front in the third with a solo home run off Toronto starter Shane Bieber, his third homer of the series.
Seattle extended their lead to 3-1 in the fifth inning when Raleigh, who led Major League Baseball with 60 home runs during the regular season, connected for his fifth long ball of the playoffs, his fourth against Toronto. As the game entered the seventh inning stretch, the home crowd grew anxious, sensing time was running out on the Blue Jays’ season.
But Toronto’s offense staged a dramatic turnaround. A walk followed by a soft single set the stage for Springer. Facing reliever Eduardo Bazardo, Springer unleashed a towering three-run home run that turned the game on its head, giving Toronto a 4-3 lead for the first time. The Rogers Centre erupted as Springer rounded the bases, the unforgettable moment sealing the Blue Jays’ World Series berth.
From there, Toronto’s bullpen took control. Chris Bassitt pitched a flawless eighth inning, and closer Jeff Hoffman struck out all three Mariners batters in the ninth to secure the victory. Fans flooded the stands in celebration, marking a momentous occasion for the franchise and Canadian baseball.
After the game, Springer praised his teammates, emphasizing the importance of the at-bats leading up to his homer. “If it’s not for those guys, that moment doesn’t happen,” he said. “I’m so happy for our team, our fans, our city, our country. I am so happy right now.”
Springer had been dealing with a knee injury sustained in Game 5, appearing in discomfort in the series’ final games. Despite the pain, he said his dedication to Toronto fueled his performance. “I owe it to these fans, this city, this country to give it my all. It doesn’t matter. So, I’ll take it.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto’s superstar, was named ALCS MVP after batting .385 and hitting three home runs in the series, a testament to his consistency and impact throughout the playoffs.
The Blue Jays will host the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday at Rogers Centre, setting up a high-stakes clash that promises to captivate fans across North America. As for the Mariners, they remain the only MLB franchise never to appear in a World Series, leaving Seattle fans still waiting for their first taste of baseball’s ultimate stage.
This thrilling series will be remembered for its dramatic swings, clutch performances, and a city-wide celebration as Toronto returns to the World Series stage for the first time in three decades.