George Springer’s 3-run homer lifts the Toronto Blue Jays past the Mariners 4–3 in Game 7, sending Canada’s team to its first World Series in 30 years.
Springer’s Late Blast Seals Historic Jays Victory
In one of the most dramatic nights in Canadian baseball history, the Toronto Blue Jays rallied to defeat the Seattle Mariners 4–3 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, clinching their first World Series berth since 1993.
A Comeback to Remember
Trailing 3–1 in the seventh inning, Toronto’s George Springer crushed a three-run home run over the left-field wall, electrifying a sold-out Rogers Centre crowd. The blast transformed the game—and the series—putting the Jays ahead for good.
“There’s probably not another person on planet Earth that I want up other than George Springer and his October magic,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider after the victory.
Seattle’s Early Edge Fades
Seattle opened the scoring in the first inning, then stretched its lead with solo shots in the third and fifth. Toronto matched pace early but struggled to find offense until Springer’s decisive swing. Despite valiant pitching, the Mariners could not recover from the seventh-inning blow.
Guerrero Named Series MVP
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. earned ALCS MVP honours after leading Toronto’s offense through the seven-game battle. But his focus quickly shifted to the challenge ahead.
“The job’s not finished. We got four more to go,” Guerrero said, referring to the upcoming World Series showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Pitching Depth Delivers
Toronto’s bullpen strategy proved critical. Starter Shane Bieber went just 3⅔ innings before Schneider turned to six different pitchers to navigate the tension. Closer Jeff Hoffman struck out the side in the ninth, sealing the win and sparking celebrations across the country.
Heartbreak for Seattle
For Seattle, the loss marked the end of a promising postseason. The Mariners, still seeking their first World Series appearance, had waited 24 years just to reach the ALCS.
“Just hold your heads high,” manager Dan Wilson told his players. “It’s a shame to come out on the wrong side, but we’ve built something special.”
Canada’s Team Returns to the Fall Classic
The victory marks Toronto’s first World Series trip since back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993. For many players—rookie phenom Trey Yesavage and starter Shane Bieber among them—it’s a dream decades in the making.
“This is what you play for,” Springer said before the game. “This is what you want.”
Now, the Blue Jays have it—and a nation is ready to watch history unfold once again.
