George Springer’s Home Run Secures Blue Jays’ Spot in the Fall Classic
The Seattle Mariners, aiming to reach their first-ever World Series, fell short by just three innings during the dramatic conclusion of the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Game 7 Recap
Trailing 1-3 going into the bottom of the seventh inning at Rogers Centre in Toronto, the Mariners’ hopes were dashed. Veteran George Springer, a 2017 World Series champion with the Houston Astros, stepped up to the plate and hit a home run, turning the game around. Addison Russell and Isiah Kiner-Falefa followed suit, pushing the Blue Jays’ lead to 4-3.
Seattle couldn’t mount a comeback in the eighth and ninth innings, succumbing to the pressure from the 44,770 fans in attendance. The Blue Jays’ triumph marks their return to the World Series after a 32-year absence.
George Springer’s Historic Home Run
With this achievement, George Springer tied Kyle Schwarber for third-most home runs in MLB postseason history with 23, trailing only José Altuve (27) and Manny Ramírez (29).
Recent History of the ALCS
This is the second time in the last five seasons that the ALCS required a full seven games to determine a winner. The previous instance was Texas Rangers’ victory over the Houston Astros in 2023, with the Rangers eventually claiming the World Series title.
Blue Jays’ Regular Season Dominance
Toronto finished the 2025 regular season as the best team in the American League with a 94-68 record, earning them a direct path to the Division Series. They defeated the New York Yankees 3-1 in the Division Series, who were runners-up in the previous year’s World Series.
World Series Schedule
- Game 2: Saturday, October 25, in Toronto
- Game 3: Monday, October 27, in Los Angeles
- Game 4: Tuesday, October 28, in Los Angeles
- Game 5*: Wednesday, October 29, in Los Angeles
- Game 6*: Friday, October 31, in Toronto
- Game 7*: Saturday, November 1, in Toronto
*Games may be necessary.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the Toronto Blue Jays? The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team based in Toronto, Ontario, competing in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the American League East Division.
- Why is George Springer significant? George Springer is a veteran outfielder and designated hitter who has been a key contributor to the Blue Jays’ success. He previously won the World Series with the Houston Astros in 2017, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
- How does this impact the World Series? The Blue Jays’ advancement to the World Series marks their first appearance in 32 years, bringing excitement and anticipation to fans. Their opponent will be determined after the National League Championship Series, setting the stage for an exciting Fall Classic.