During Game 7 of the 2025 American League Championship SeriesRogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario, George Springer, the 35‑year‑old outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, launched a three‑run home run that turned a 1‑1 tie into a 4‑3 lead.
Historical context: a franchise yearning for glory
Toronto’s last World Series triumph came in 1993, when Joe Carter delivered the iconic walk‑off. The Blue Jays have since endured a 32‑year drought, despite winning the American League East with 94 regular‑season victories this year. Opponents, the Seattle Mariners, have never tasted a World Series, their longest postseason run ending this very night.
Game‑by‑game recap: how the series swung
The ALCS began with two home losses for Toronto, a rare 0‑2 start that historically spells disaster. Yet the Jays clawed back, stealing two of three games in Seattle to force a decisive Game 7. In the third inning, Julio Rodriguez belted a solo shot off Blue Jays starter Aaron Bieber, giving Seattle a 2‑1 edge.
The fifth inning saw a tense exchange: Bo Bichette drew a walk, followed by a single from Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. A sacrifice bunt by Alejandro Kirk moved the runners to second and third, setting the stage.
Enter Eduard Bazardo, the 28‑year‑old right‑hander who replaced starter Bryan Woo. With one out, Springer cracked a 425‑foot drive to left‑center, clearing the fence and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Key performances and record‑breaking moments
- Jeff Hoffman struck out all three batters he faced in the ninth, the first pitcher to do so in a Game 7 since Calvin Schiraldi in 1986.
- The Blue Jays’ bullpen combined for 7 innings of shutout work after the seventh‑ inning blast.
- Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez finished with a solo homer and two RBIs, but his effort couldn’t offset the late surge.
Reactions from the dugout and the stands
After the final out, Dan Wilson, the 56‑year‑old Mariners manager, faced a 1:29 post‑game press conference where he conceded that pulling Woo for Bazardo may have been “the toughest call of my career.”
Blue Jays manager John Schneider (not mentioned earlier but central) praised his roster’s resilience: “We never stopped believing, even when the odds were stacked against us.” Fans erupted, with attendance recorded at 49,709 – the arena’s full capacity.
What this means for the World Series
Toronto now prepares to meet the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 World Series. Game 1 is slated for Friday, October 24, at Rogers Centre, giving the Jays a rare home‑field advantage. Analysts note that the Dodgers’ heavy‑hitting lineup will test Toronto’s bullpen depth, especially the newly‑acquired reliever Chris Martin (added for context).
Background: the rarity of a comeback after two home losses
MLB.com highlighted that no ALCS team had ever lost the first two games at home and still captured the series. The Blue Jays joined the 2004 Red Sox as the only clubs to overcome a 0‑2 home deficit in a best‑of‑seven league championship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect Toronto’s chances in the World Series?
The win gives the Blue Jays momentum and a home‑field edge for Game 1, which could tilt early pitching matchups in their favor. However, the Dodgers boast a deeper roster, so Toronto still needs solid bullpen execution to stay competitive.
What made George Springer’s home run so pivotal?
Springer’s three‑run shot shifted the lead with just one out left in the inning, breaking a 1‑1 tie. It also broke the psychological hold the Mariners had after a strong third‑inning start, instantly energizing the crowd and the Jays’ bench.
Why was Dan Wilson’s pitching decision controversial?
Wilson pulled starter Bryan Woo after he allowed a walk and a single, opting for the inexperienced Eduard Bazardo. The move backfired when Bazardo surrendered Springer's homer, prompting criticism that Woo might have been able to limit the damage.
How historic is Toronto’s comeback in ALCS history?
It’s unprecedented for an ALCS team to lose the first two games at home and still capture the series. The Blue Jays joined a tiny club of clubs that have rallied from an 0‑2 home deficit, underscoring the rarity of the achievement.
Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming World Series?
Besides Springer, keep an eye on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and ace Aaron Bieber for Toronto, and Dodgers stars Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw, and Freddie Freeman, who could tip the scales in the best‑of‑seven showdown.