When the Toronto Blue Jays snapped a 3-2 series deficit with a 6-2 win over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday night, the atmosphere at the Rogers Centre turned electric. The game, part of the American League Championship SeriesToronto, Ontario, pushed the series to a winner‑take‑all Game 7 on October 20.
Series overview and what's at stake
Coming into Game 6, the Mariners (90‑72) had the edge, having won three of the first five contests. Their manager, Dan Wilson, a former catcher and Hall of Famer, was eyeing the franchise’s first AL pennant since 2001. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays (94‑68), AL East champions under John Schneider, were scrambling to stay alive. A loss would have sent Seattle to the World Series, a dream that’s lingered in the Pacific Northwest for nearly a quarter‑century.
How Game 6 unfolded
The early innings were a one‑sided affair. Toronto leapt to a 4‑0 lead in the third, thanks to a string of timely hits. The Mariners threatened in the fourth, loading the bases with one out, but they couldn’t push a run home – a routine ground ball ended the inning, and the Blue Jays’ bullpen settled the score.
In the sixth, the tide seemed to turn. With two outs and the Jays up 5‑1, Julio Rodríguez sprinted home on a ball that ricocheted off the right‑field wall after Eugenio Suárez drove it down the line. The play gave Seattle a brief glimmer of hope, but the damage was done.
Key performances that made the difference
First, there’s the power surge from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays’ 26‑year‑old first baseman. He belted his sixth postseason homer of the year, a deep drive to left‑center that padded the lead to 5‑1. It was a clutch moment that reminded everyone why his name is on every fantasy roster.
Not to be overlooked, Addison Barger, the 27‑year‑old third baseman, delivered an RBI single in the fourth that cracked open the Mariners’ defense. Right after, utility man Isiah Kiner‑Falefa squeezed in another run with an infield single, extending the gap to 4‑0.
Seattle’s own Logan Gilbert started the game strong, striking out Toronto’s Nathan Lukes early on, but he couldn’t sustain the momentum. The Mariners’ bullpen faltered late, walking three in the sixth and allowing the decisive runs.
Managerial moves and pitching notes
John Schneider’s decision to pull his starter after five innings proved pivotal. He brought in a fresh arm that shut down the Mariners’ offense in the crucial middle innings. Conversely, Dan Wilson’s gamble to keep Gilbert longer backfired – the veteran struggled with command, and the Blue Jays capitalized on the few free passes.
JP Crawford’s strikeout in the sixth—three pitches, a missed changeup—was a brief flash of brilliance for Seattle, but it came too late to shift the momentum.
What Game 7 means for both clubs
If Toronto clinches the next game, it will be their first ALCS win since 2016 and a ticket to the World Series, where they’ll face the NL champion slated for October 24. For the Mariners, a loss would end a 24‑year drought of pennant chances, but the series itself signals a resurgence under Wilson’s steady hand.
Historical context
- The 2025 ALCS marks Seattle’s first appearance since their 2001 run, where they fell to the Yankees.
- The Blue Jays last reached this stage in 2016, losing to the Cleveland Guardians.
- Both teams posted top‑three records in the AL this season – Toronto second overall, Seattle third.
- Guerrero Jr.’s six postseason homers tie a franchise record for a single postseason.
Key facts
- Final score: Blue Jays 6, Mariners 2.
- Date & time: October 19, 2025, 8:03 PM EDT.
- Venue: Rogers Centre, Toronto (capacity ≈ 49,300).
- Series tied 3‑3, Game 7 scheduled for Oct 20.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s postseason HR total now stands at six.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Blue Jays' chances in the World Series?
By forcing a Game 7, Toronto stays alive and gains home‑field advantage for the decisive matchup. If they win, they’ll enter the World Series on a momentum wave, having rallied from a 3‑2 deficit, which historically boosts a team’s confidence.
What were the turning points in Game 6?
The early four‑run lead set by Addison Barger’s RBI single and Isiah Kiner‑Falefa’s infield hit gave Toronto breathing room. Guerrero Jr.’s sixth postseason homer later stretched the gap, and Seattle’s inability to capitalize on a bases‑loaded fourth inning sealed their fate.
Who are the biggest threats for each team in Game 7?
For Toronto, Guerrero Jr. and the hot‑handed Barger will be key offensive weapons. On the mound, the Jays will likely rely on their experienced reliever who shut down Seattle in Game 6. Seattle will count on Julio Rodríguez’s speed and Suárez’s power, while hoping Logan Gilbert can rebound.
What does this series mean for the Mariners’ franchise?
Reaching the ALCS after a 24‑year gap signals a turnaround for Seattle. Even if they fall short, the deep playoff run validates Dan Wilson’s rebuilding strategy and should boost ticket sales and regional interest heading into the off‑season.
When and where will Game 7 be played?
Game 7 is set for Monday, October 20, 2025, at 8:05 PM EDT, back at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. The venue will be packed, and both clubs expect a sell‑out crowd.