A three-run home run from George Springer has sent the Toronto Blue Jays to the World Series with a 4-3 victory in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.
The Blue Jays will now face the Los Angeles Dodgers for the MLB championship.
It’s Toronto’s first World Series appearance since the Jays won back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993.
Seattle’s Josh Naylor opened up the scoring with RBI single in the first inning before Toronto responded with Dalton Varsho drove in George Springer with a single in the bottom of the first.
The Mariners followed it up with solo home runs from Julio Rodríguez in the third inning and Cal Raleigh in the fifth inning.
A three-run home run from George Springer gave the Jays the 4-3 lead in the 7th inning, bringing home Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Addison Barger.
Toronto got a strong performance from its bullpen after Shane Bieber made it through just 3.2 innings. Louis Varland, Seranthony Dominguez, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt and Jeff Hoffman all pitched in the win.
“These fans, this country, you deserve all of this,” said Manager John Schneider in the moments after the game. “I couldn’t be happier to represent this team.”
“I’m just so happy for everyone. Our fans, our city, our country, this is for everyone here,” added Springer.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has carried the Blue Jays’ offence in critical moments, captured the ALCS Most Valuable Player award.
The 26-year-old superstar led the ALCS with a 1.473 OPS, and tied for the lead with nine hits and three home runs.
“We’ve worked so hard for this. Thank you for the fans who bring the energy everyday,” said Guerrero Jr. “We’re not finished, we’ve got four more to go.”
And the Jays could have some reinforcements heading into the World Series.
In the aftermath of Toronto’s Game 7 win over the Seattle Mariners, Blue Jays’ star shortstop Bo Bichette was asked about taking the field for Game 1 of the World Series.
“I’ll be ready,” he said.
The best-of-seven World Series starts on Friday with Game 1 at the Rogers Centre. First pitch is scheduled for just after 8 p.m.
With files from Sportsnet Staff
