Seattle Mariners Triumph Over Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 in ALCS Game 1

The Seattle Mariners defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Sunday night in Toronto. The victory marks Seattle’s first appearance in the ALCS in 24 years, and gives them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Blue Jays started strong as George Springer homered on the first pitch from Mariners starter Bryce Miller. However, Miller quickly settled, escaping a first-inning jam and limiting Toronto to just one more hit—a single by Anthony Santander in the second. The Mariners’ bullpen, featuring Gabe Speier, Matt Brash, and Andrés Muñoz, combined with Miller to retire 23 of Toronto’s final 24 batters, throwing only 100 pitches in total. Seattle tied the game in the sixth inning when Cal Raleigh, who led the majors with 60 home runs this season, hit his ninth home run in 14 games at Rogers Centre. The blast came off Kevin Gausman, who had not allowed a hit on his splitter during the postseason until that at-bat. Later in the inning, Jorge Polanco drove in the go-ahead run with a single. Polanco added an insurance RBI single in the eighth inning, sealing the win for Seattle. Despite a promising start, the Blue Jays’ offense was kept in check for the remainder of the game. Mariners’ rookie Addison Barger contributed defensively, cutting down Cal Raleigh at the plate in a key moment. The Mariners’ win follows their dramatic 15-inning victory over the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS. Game 2 of the ALCS is set for Monday at 5 p.m. ET (2 p.m. PT) on FOX. For more updates and highlights, visit ESPN’s Mariners vs. Blue Jays game page.