Blue Jays Rally to Victory, Force Game 7 in ALCS Showdown
The Toronto Blue Jays secured a crucial victory over the Seattle Mariners, defeating them 6-2 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on October 20, 2023. This win forces a decisive Game 7, which will be held at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Trey Yesavage delivered an impressive performance, carrying a shutout into the sixth inning. He allowed six hits and two runs over 5 2/3 innings, showcasing his skill on the mound. Yesavage expressed his gratitude for the support, stating, “This was the most electric, energized crowd I have ever played in front of before. The team rallied behind the fans. They were huge motivation for us.”
The Blue Jays capitalized early in the game, with right fielder Addison Barger hitting an RBI single in the second inning to give the team their first lead. Second baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa followed suit with another RBI single, extending the lead to 2-0. Barger then made a significant impact again in the third inning, launching a 403-foot, two-run homer, further solidifying the Blue Jays’ advantage.
First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also contributed with a solo home run in the fifth inning, measuring 384 feet. The Blue Jays maintained control of the game, with Yesavage successfully navigating through bases-loaded situations in both the third and fourth innings. The Mariners finally managed to score in the sixth inning when first baseman Josh Naylor hit a 389-foot solo homer, marking their first run of the game.
The Mariners added another run later in the inning, courtesy of a line drive single from third baseman Eugenio Suarez. Despite their attempts to rally, the Blue Jays sealed their victory with a final run from a wild pitch by Mariners reliever Matt Brash in the seventh inning.
Guerrero concluded the game with a strong performance, going 2 for 4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Barger also had a notable game, contributing three RBIs. Third baseman Ernie Clement and outfielder Nathan Lukes each added two hits, complementing the team’s offensive display.
In contrast, the Mariners’ top three hitters, Julio Rodriguez, Cal Raleigh, and Jorge Polanco, struggled significantly, combining for an 0 for 11 performance.
The intensity of the upcoming Game 7 is palpable, as Blue Jays manager John Schneider remarked, “You’ve gotta enjoy it. This is what we signed up for. Whenever you can play for Game 7 to go to the World Series, it sounds cool to say it, but this is why we sacrifice everything.”
Game 7 is set to begin at 20:08 EDT on Monday, with Shane Bieber taking the mound for the Blue Jays and George Kirby starting for the Mariners. The winner will advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, with Game 1 scheduled for Friday.
