When George Springer, the 35‑year‑old outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, launched a three‑run homer in the seventh inning, the American League Championship Series turned from a potential Seattle win into a Toronto triumph.
The drama unfolded on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario. With one out in the seventh and the Blue Jays trailing 3‑1, Springer faced 26‑year‑old right‑hander Eduard Bazardo. The ball sailed into left‑field seats, sending a wave of cheers that rattled the stadium and spilled onto the streets outside.
How the Series Got to This Point
The Blue Jays entered the postseason as the American League East champions, finishing the regular season 94‑68. Their path to the ALCS was anything but smooth. After dropping the first two games at home to the Seattle Mariners, Toronto rebounded with two wins in Seattle’s T‑Mobile Park, tying the series 2‑2. A 6‑2 victory in Game 6 on October 19, highlighted by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s sixth postseason home run, forced the decisive Game 7 back in Toronto.
Seattle, who topped the American League West at 90‑72 under manager Scott Servais, had hoped to break their 48‑year World Series drought. Center‑fielder Julio Rodríguez had provided plenty of offense throughout the playoffs, but the Mariners’ bullpen couldn’t hold the lead when it mattered most.
Game 7: The Play‑by‑Play
Seattle started the game with rookie right‑hander Bryan Woo, who struggled early, issuing a walk, a single and a sacrifice bunt to start the seventh inning. That set the stage for the showdown that followed.
After Woo’s early misstep, the Mariners turned to Bazardo, hoping his sinker would seal the win. Instead, Springer turned on a swing that sent the ball soaring—an unofficial "sinker‑to‑south‑field" that landed deep enough to clear the fence. The crowd erupted; witnesses said the roar felt like an earthquake.
Springer’s teammates swarmed him, fists raised, while the announcers on MLB.com described the moment as "a blast that shook Rogers Centre to its core." The three runs turned a 3‑1 deficit into a 4‑3 lead that the Blue Jays would never relinquish.
Key Performances Beyond the Heroics
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added a solo homer in the eighth, extending the lead to 5‑3. He finished the game 2‑for‑4 with two RBIs, cementing his role as the postseason’s power engine.
For Seattle, reliever Ty Buttrey (who entered after Bazardo) struck out two batters but couldn’t prevent the rally. He later lamented, "We left too many runners on base; the pressure just got to us."
Manager John Schneider praised his squad’s resilience, noting, "We knew we had to dig deep after the first two losses. Tonight the kids answered that call." General manager Ross Atkins echoed the sentiment, pointing to the roster moves made since 2015 as the foundation of this success.
Reactions from the City and the League
Toronto fans poured onto the streets after the final out, chanting "Blue Jays!" for over an hour. Local bars reported record beer sales, and the city’s mayor, Olivia Chow, declared a spontaneous celebration day, promising a fireworks display later that week.
MLB officials praised the game’s competitive balance, calling it "one of the most thrilling Game 7s in recent memory." The league also highlighted the attendance figure—approximately 49,217—a near‑capacity crowd that underscored baseball’s resurgence in Canada.
What’s Next: The World Series
With the AL pennant secured, the Blue Jays now set their sights on the World Series, scheduled to begin Friday, October 24, 2025, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It will be the first time since 1992 that Toronto hosts the championship, and the city is already bracing for a potential flood of tourists.
The Dodgers, fresh off a dramatic National League Championship Series win, bring a veteran‑heavy roster led by Mookie Betts and a deep pitching staff. Analysts expect a classic East‑vs‑West showdown, with Toronto’s power hitting pitted against Los Angeles’s seasoned bullpen.
Historical Perspective
The 2025 ALCS marks a watershed moment for both franchises. Toronto’s last World Series appearance came in 1993, when Joe Carter hit the iconic walk‑off home run against the Philadelphia Phillies. For Seattle, the loss extends a franchise‑wide drought that began with their inception in 1977.
Baseball historians note that the Blue Jays’ 32‑year gap mirrors the New York Mets’ 40‑year wait from 1969 to 2009, suggesting that long‑awaited triumphs can finally materialize with the right blend of talent and front‑office strategy.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the championship, both clubs will face offseason decisions. The Blue Jays may need to decide whether to retain veteran pitcher Kevin Gausman or explore free‑agent markets. Seattle, meanwhile, is expected to evaluate its bullpen depth, especially after the late‑inning collapse.
Fans of both sides will be watching the offseason trade rumors closely, hoping the next chapter builds on the excitement generated this October.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Blue Jays' win affect Toronto’s economy?
The postseason surge is projected to boost local hospitality revenue by an estimated $12 million, as hotels, restaurants, and bars report higher occupancy and sales during the Game 7 weekend.
What led to Seattle’s bullpen collapse in the seventh inning?
After starter Bryan Woo allowed a leadoff walk, the Mariners relied on reliever Eduard Bazardo, whose sinker lacked movement that night. Fatigue and a lack of late‑inning experience contributed to the three‑run blast.
Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming World Series?
For Toronto, keep an eye on George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and pitcher Kevin Gausman. The Dodgers will likely lean on Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw and rookie sensation Bobby Miller.
When does Game 1 of the World Series start?
Game 1 is slated for Friday, October 24, 2025, at 7:05 PM ET, hosted at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
What historical significance does this World Series hold for Canada?
It will be the first World Series hosted in Canada since the Blue Jays' back‑to‑back titles in 1992‑93, offering a rare chance for Canadian fans to witness a championship on home soil.
