Blue Jays Force Game 7 with Guerrero’s 6th Playoff HR, Beat Mariners

UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays have forced a decisive Game 7 in the American League Championship Series, defeating the Seattle Mariners 6-2 on Sunday night. The pivotal contest is set for Monday, October 16, 2023, in Toronto, marking the second Game 7 in Blue Jays history.

With this victory, the Blue Jays aim to avoid repeating their 1985 ALCS loss to the Kansas City Royals. Meanwhile, the Mariners, who have never clinched a pennant, are set to play in their first postseason Game 7. The winner will face the National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series beginning Friday, October 20.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made headlines again, hitting his sixth home run of the postseason, tying him with José Bautista and Joe Carter for the most in Blue Jays history. His leadoff blast in the fifth inning extended Toronto’s lead to 5-0, chasing Mariners starter Logan Gilbert from the mound in just four innings.

Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage delivered a stellar performance, striking out seven batters over 5 2/3 innings and maintaining a shutout until the sixth. Yesavage, who threw a season-high 31 split-fingered fastballs, showcased his talent by inducing two critical double plays during bases-loaded situations, making Toronto the first team to achieve consecutive bases-loaded, inning-ending double plays in a postseason game.

“He brings the energy. He’s young. He wants to win so bad,”

Guerrero exclaimed, highlighting the impact of the young pitcher on the team’s morale.

Toronto capitalized on Seattle’s three errors, an unusually high mark for a playoff matchup. By contrast, the Blue Jays have committed only four errors in ten playoff games. The Mariners struggled to convert opportunities, failing to score despite loading the bases twice, with key groundouts thwarting their efforts.

In addition to Guerrero’s efforts, Addison Barger contributed significantly with a home run and three RBIs, further solidifying Toronto’s offensive dominance. This win marks a crucial turnaround for the Blue Jays, who had faced elimination four times in previous postseason attempts since their last ALCS appearance in 2016.

As the teams prepare for the decisive Game 7, the atmosphere in Toronto is electric. Blue Jays fans are eager to see if their team can clinch a spot in the World Series after a long wait. The Mariners, fighting for their first pennant, are equally determined to make history.

The stage is set, and both teams are poised for an unforgettable showdown. Tune in on Monday night to see which team will advance to the World Series!