The Seattle Mariners are one step away from securing a spot in the 2025 World Series after a crucial victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The Mariners achieved a 6-2 win at T-Mobile Park on Friday night, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven American League Championship Series (ALCS).
The game took a pivotal turn in the eighth inning when the Mariners, trailing 2-1, exploded for five runs. Seattle's star catcher, Cal Raleigh, ignited the comeback by hitting a solo home run off Blue Jays' reliever Brendon Little, bringing the game to a 2-2 tie. The momentum shifted significantly in Seattle's favor shortly thereafter.
With the bases loaded, third baseman Eugenio Suarez stepped up to deliver an impactful blow, smashing his second home run of the game off reliever Seranthony Dominguez. This grand slam propelled the Mariners to a commanding 6-2 lead, significantly raising the stakes as they closed in on a series triumph.
Prior to this dramatic eighth inning, the Blue Jays had taken a short-lived lead in the sixth inning when Ernie Clement hit a key RBI single off Mariners’ reliever Bryan Woo, allowing Alejandro Kirk to score from second base. This event snapped the previous 1-1 tie and gave the Jays a temporary advantage at 2-1.
Earlier in the game, Suarez had opened the scoring for the Mariners with a solo home run in the second inning, putting his team ahead 1-0. The Blue Jays managed to respond in the fifth inning with George Springer’s long double off Mariners’ reliever Matt Brash, which allowed Addison Barger to score and tie the game at 1-1.
Despite the Blue Jays loading the bases in the top of the fourth inning, they failed to capitalize. Nathan Lukes initiated the rally with a double, followed by an intentional walk issued to superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and a walk to Kirk. However, the situation turned dire for the Jays as Daulton Varsho struck out, and Clement grounded into a double play, squandering the opportunity to extend their lead.
Seattle's starting pitcher, Bryce Miller, had a solid outing, working four innings and allowing only one run on four hits, alongside two walks and four strikeouts. Conversely, Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up three hits and one run while issuing three walks and striking out four batters. Relievers Louis Varland, Little, and Dominguez combined to allow five runs in a crucial late-game collapse.
With Game 6 set for Sunday night at Rogers Centre in Toronto, the Mariners will be looking to clinch the series and advance to the World Series. The Blue Jays will rely on right-handed rookie Trey Yesavage to hold off the Mariners, while Seattle has yet to announce their starting pitcher for the critical game.
