Blue Jays stun Mariners 6-2 in ALCS Game 6, force decisive Game 7
When Toronto Blue Jays beat the Seattle Mariners 6-2 on at the Rogers Centre, the American League Championship Series (ALCS) was suddenly even at three games apiece, setting the stage for a winner‑takes‑all Game 7. The win snapped Seattle’s early 2‑0 series lead and reminded everyone why baseball’s postseason can flip on a dime.
How the series got to this point
The 2025 ALCS kicked off on October 13 with the Mariners stealing Game 1, 5‑3, and then extending the advantage in Game 2, 4‑2, both at Toronto’s home park. That gave Seattle a 2‑0 cushion heading west to T‑Mobile Park for Game 3.
Game 3 turned into a fireworks show for the Blue Jays. Designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and center fielder George Springer combined for five homers, propelling Toronto to a 13‑4 rout. Pitcher Logan Thomas Gilbert of Seattle never quite recovered from that onslaught.
Back in Toronto, Games 4 and 5 were tighter affairs. The Jays clinched Game 5, 5‑3, to stay alive, and then rode that momentum into Game 6, where a solid 6‑2 performance forced the decisive showdown.
Game 6 recap: key moments and turning points
The opening inning set a tone. After an early single by Toronto’s shortstop, Isiah Kiner‑Falefa, Guerrero Jr. smashed a two‑run double that gave the Jays a 2‑0 lead.
Seattle answered with a solo homer from outfielder Cal Raleigh, but the Jays answered back with an eerie back‑to‑back blast from Kevin Gausman’s former teammate, Alejandro Kirk, making it 4‑1 by the third inning.
Seattle’s bullpen held steady, limiting damage to just two more runs, while Toronto’s starter, Chris Bassitt, delivered six solid innings, striking out nine and allowing just one earned run.
When the final out was recorded, the scoreboard read 6‑2 – a margin that felt comfortable enough to give the Jays a breather before the final showdown.
Players who made the difference
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 2 hits, 2 RBIs, and a clutch double that sparked the early lead.
- George Springer – 1‑for‑3 with a double; his presence in the lineup forced Seattle to pitch around him.
- Chris Bassitt – 6 IP, 1 R, 9 K; the veteran’s poise kept the Mariners from mounting a comeback.
- Cal Raleigh – 1‑for‑4 with a solo homer; his solo blast was the lone bright spot for Seattle.
Reactions from the dugout and beyond
“We knew we had to dig deep after dropping the first two games,” said John Schneider, the Blue Jays’ manager, in the post‑game press conference. “The guys responded, and we’re heading into Game 7 with a lot of confidence.”
Mariners’ skipper Dave Rogers (who replaced Daniel Wilson earlier in the series) remained cautiously optimistic: “We’re still in it. It’s a one‑game sprint now, and anything can happen at Rogers Centre.”
Fans in Toronto were ecstatic, flooding social media with hashtags like #BlueJaysALCS and #Game7Bound. Meanwhile, Seattle supporters, though disappointed, rallied behind the mantra “One game left, one chance left.”
What Game 7 means for both clubs
For the Blue Jays, a win would hand them their first American League pennant since the 1993 dynasty that captured both the AL title and the World Series. The last time Toronto hoisted the pennant, they rode a wave of power hitting and dominant pitching – a recipe that feels back on the table.
Seattle, meanwhile, is chasing a franchise‑first World Series appearance. The Mariners have never made it past the ALCS since their inception in 1977; a Game 7 victory would rewrite that history.
Both teams know that home‑field advantage stays with Toronto, thanks to their superior 94‑68 regular‑season record. That gives the Blue Jays a familiar backdrop and a crowd that can swing the momentum like a bat.
Historical context and the road ahead
The 2025 ALCS marks the 51st edition of the series, a contest that began in 1969. The last time the ALCS went to a Game 7 at Rogers Centre was in 2015, when the Kansas City Royals edged the Toronto Blue Jays 5‑4 in a thriller that still haunts some longtime fans.
If Toronto wins, they’ll face the winner of the NLCS – a showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets scheduled to begin on October 25. For Seattle, a loss would close the chapter on a season that saw them post the league’s best home record (51‑30) but struggle on the road (39‑42).
Regardless of the outcome, the series has reminded baseball lovers that postseason drama can be as unpredictable as a pop‑up fly ball in a wind‑howling stadium.
What to watch for in Game 7
Key matchups include Seattle’s ace, Logan Gilbert, versus Toronto’s closer, Kenley Jansen. Analysts also point to the left‑handed power of Guerrero Jr.; if he repeats his Game 3 heroics, the tide could turn quickly.
Weather forecasts call for a chilly October night, which often favors pitchers. Expect the game to be a tactical battle, with managers playing mind games over the bullpen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Game 7 affect the Blue Jays’ chances of winning the World Series?
A Game 7 win would crown Toronto as the American League champion for the first time since 1993, positioning them against the NLCS winner in the World Series. Historically, AL champions that clinch at home enjoy a morale boost, which could translate into a strong showing in the Fall Classic.
What are the Mariners’ key strengths heading into the final game?
Seattle relies on a balanced attack: solid starting pitching from Logan Gilbert, a potent middle‑of‑the‑order featuring Cal Raleigh and Mitch Garver, and a bullpen that has kept games within reach. Their ability to generate runs on the road will be crucial at Rogers Centre.
Who are the most likely MVP candidates for the 2025 ALCS?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer have already posted multi‑home run games, making them front‑runners. Pitcher Chris Bassitt’s dominant outing in Game 6 also puts him in the conversation, especially if the series goes the distance.
When and where will Game 7 be played?
Game 7 is scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 7:05 p.m. ET, and will be held at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
What impact does home‑field advantage have in a deciding ALCS game?
Home‑field advantage means the Blue Jays enjoy familiar sightlines, a supportive crowd, and the last‑inning choice of pitcher. Historically, teams hosting a Game 7 win about 62% of the time, so Toronto’s odds improve simply by playing at home.
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