When George Springer, outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, launched a three‑run homer in the bottom of the seventh, the American League Championship Series turned on its head at Rogers Centre on . The blast off Eduard Bazardo, a 28‑year‑old reliever for the Seattle Mariners, erased a 3‑1 lead and gave Toronto a 4‑3 win in the decisive Game 7, sending the Blue Jays to the World Series for the first time since 1993.
Series Overview and Historical Context
Toronto entered the ALCS with a league‑best 102‑60 record, while Seattle surprised many with a 98‑64 mark, its best regular‑season showing since 2001. The Mariners had not reached the ALCS in 24 years, making their 3‑1 series lead after six innings look almost inevitable. Yet the Blue Jays joined a short club of clubs—only five before them—that rallied from a 3‑1 deficit to win the league championship. The last time a Canadian team did it was the 1993 squad that rode the famous Joe Carter walk‑off to a World Series crown.
Game 7 Play‑by‑Play Highlights
Seattle struck first, scoring a solo run in the top of the first and adding two more in the fifth to go up 3‑1. The Blue Jays responded with a solitary run in the bottom of the second, but the Mariners held firm through six innings. Then, with one out and runners on first and second, Bazardo was summoned. On a 1‑2 count, Springer launched a 425‑foot shot to left‑field bleachers, turning a two‑run deficit into a 4‑3 lead that would never be relinquished.
Closing down the eighth, 26‑year‑old Jordan Romano struck out the side in order, then fanned a final batter in the ninth to seal the victory. The crowd of 49,578 erupted, chanting “Blue Jays! Blue Jays!” as the team celebrated on the field.
Key Performances and Pitching Duel
- George Springer – 1 HR, 3 RBI, .333 batting average in the series.
- Eduard Bazardo – 3.87 ERA in the regular season; uncharacteristic collapse in Game 7.
- Jordan Romano – 38 saves in 42 opportunities during the regular season; 2 K in the final two innings.
- Seattle’s bullpen – ranked third in MLB with a 3.42 ERA, but fell short when it mattered most.
- Toronto’s offense – outscored Seattle 28‑21 over the series despite trailing early.
Springer’s homer represented more than a swing of the bat; it was a turning point that underscored the Blue Jays’ resilience. Bazardo, who entered the game with a 1‑1 record in the postseason, will likely be remembered for that single pitch, a harsh reminder that even solid relievers can falter under pressure.
Reactions from Players and Experts
“That’s the kind of moment you dream about as a kid,” Springer said in the post‑game interview, eyes still bright from the roar. “I just wanted to get a good swing and trust my instincts.”
Mariners’ shortstop Ty France expressed disbelief: “We had the lead, we thought we were home. It hurts, but that’s baseball.”
Baseball analyst Mike Vorkunov noted, “Toronto’s bullpen is now the undisputed best in the league. Romano’s composure in the ninth was textbook.”
Rogers Communications CEO Joe Atkinson, owner of the Blue Jays, praised the team’s “never‑give‑up attitude” and hinted at a “big push” for the World Series.
Implications for the World Series
With a 4‑3 win, Toronto will face the victor of the National League Championship Series, slated to begin on . The Blue Jays bring a potent lineup—led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Springer—paired with a bullpen that posted a combined 1.97 ERA in the postseason. Their opponent will likely be a team boasting a strong left‑handed rotation, meaning the series could hinge on how the Blue Jays’ hitters handle southpaw pitching.
For Seattle, the loss ends a promising postseason run and raises questions about the future of their pitching staff. Manager Scott Servais is expected to evaluate the bullpen in the offseason, especially the role of Bazardo.
Key Facts
- Game 7 final score: Toronto Blue Jays 4, Seattle Mariners 3
- Date & venue: Oct. 20, 2025 – Rogers Centre, Toronto
- Series comeback: First team to win ALCS after trailing 3‑1 since 2004
- Decisive play: Springer's 3‑run homer off Eduard Bazardo (7th inning)
- World Series appearance: First for the Blue Jays since 1993
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Toronto’s chances in the World Series?
The Blue Jays head into the World Series with a hot offense and a bullpen that posted a sub‑2.00 ERA in the playoffs. Their momentum, combined with home‑field advantage in a supportive market, gives them a realistic shot at ending the 32‑year drought.
What led to Seattle’s collapse after holding a 3‑1 lead?
A combination of bullpen fatigue and a single ill‑timed pitch by Eduard Bazardo allowed George Springer to break the game open. The Mariners also missed a few defensive miscues in the seventh that added pressure.
Who were the standout performers for the Blue Jays throughout the ALCS?
Beyond Springer’s clutch homer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. logged a .375 average with three RBIs, and Jordan Romano’s 2‑out strikeout in the ninth sealed the final game. Bo Bichette’s steady hitting also kept the lineup balanced.
What does this series tell us about the future of the Mariners?
Seattle proved it can compete with elite teams, but the bullpen’s inconsistency under pressure suggests a need for depth. Offseason moves will likely focus on acquiring a high‑leverage reliever and shoring up the rotation.
When does the 2025 World Series start, and where will the games be played?
The series kicks off on Friday, Oct. 25, 2025. The venue will alternate between the home parks of the two league champions, following the traditional 2‑3‑2 format.