The Seattle Mariners took an early lead in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 at Rogers Centre. In the sixth inning, Cal Raleigh hit a solo home run, contributing to Seattle’s two runs. Jorge Polanco added two RBI singles, and Bryce Miller pitched strongly for six innings to secure the victory. Andres Munoz closed the ninth inning for the save.
The Blue Jays’ outfielder, Davis Schneider, acknowledged the Mariners’ strength as the second-best team in the AL. George Springer energized the crowd with a leadoff homer, and Anthony Santander managed Toronto’s only other hit with a single in the second inning.
Despite a strong performance by Toronto’s Kevin Gausman, who retired 15 batters in a row, Raleigh’s 420-foot blast tied the game. Gausman was replaced after walking Julio Rodriguez, leading to Polanco’s RBI single. Polanco later drove in Randy Arozarena for an insurance run in the eighth inning.
Following a six-game home winning streak, the Blue Jays fell short after averaging 8.5 runs per game in the previous series. The Mariners’ resilience was highlighted by manager Dan Wilson, praising his team’s efforts in the challenging matchup.
In Game 2, rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage was set to start for the Blue Jays. Yesavage, who set a postseason record by striking out 11 Yankees in his previous game, expressed disappointment over the abuse his family faced due to his on-field performances.
Logan Gilbert, who pitched in relief during the previous game, was named the starter for the Mariners in Game 2. The series will move to Seattle’s T-Mobile Park for Game 3 on Wednesday, promising an intense battle between the two competitive teams.