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Mariners’ World Series Dreams Shatter in Heartbreaking Game 7 Loss

Mariners’ World Series Dreams Shatter in Heartbreaking Game 7 Loss
Editorial
  • PublishedOctober 21, 2025

UPDATE: The Seattle Mariners’ long-awaited World Series dreams have come crashing down following a devastating 4-3 defeat to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2023. Just eight outs away from their first World Series appearance, the Mariners watched their hopes slip away in a heartbreaking fashion.

In a tense showdown, Mariners pitcher Eduard Bazardo surrendered a pivotal three-run homer to George Springer in the seventh inning, sealing Seattle’s fate. “I hate to use the word failure, but it’s a failure,” said Mariners star Cal Raleigh, reflecting the team’s high expectations that culminated in disappointment. “What we expected was to get to the World Series and win a World Series. That’s what the bar is and the standard is.”

The Mariners entered this postseason with high hopes after clinching their first AL West title since 2001. However, those aspirations for a World Series title remain unfulfilled. Center fielder Julio Rodríguez expressed the team’s collective pain, stating, “Obviously, it hurts. That’s also part of the game, too.”

Seattle arrived in Toronto leading the series 3-2, needing just one win to secure their place in history. Unfortunately, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities, including a decisive Game 6 loss that saw them falter 6-2. Game 7 began with promise as Rodríguez doubled to lead off, scoring on Josh Naylor‘s single for an early lead. Rodríguez’s fourth postseason homer gave Seattle a brief advantage of 3-1 in the third inning.

As the game progressed, Bryan Woo, returning from injury, replaced starter George Kirby. The turning point came when Bazardo entered to face Springer. After a shaky start, Bazardo’s second pitch was left vulnerable, allowing Springer to launch his 23rd career postseason homer. “You make your decisions, and sometimes you have to live and die with it,” said Mariners manager Dan Wilson. “It just didn’t go our way.”

Despite a valiant effort, the Mariners failed to register a hit in the final four innings, with the season concluding as Leo Rivas, Dominic Canzone, and Rodríguez struck out against Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman in the ninth. “I know this stings and there’s no question that it’s going to sting,” Wilson said. “It’s a special team in there. It’s a shame that we had to come out on the wrong side of this one.”

For the Mariners, this marks a painful end to a season filled with promise and high expectations. After reaching the ALCS for the first time in decades, the emotional toll of this loss is palpable. “All of us now have had a taste of how close we can get and how good this team can be,” Wilson added, emphasizing the team’s goal to return stronger next year.

As the Blue Jays celebrate their first World Series appearance since 1993, the Mariners now face the pressing question of how to rebound from this heartbreaking defeat. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Seattle navigates the offseason and prepares for the future.

Editorial
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