The Toronto Blue Jays clinched a 6‑2 win over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday night, forcing a winner‑takes‑all Game 7 in the American League Championship Series.
During Game 6 of the ALCSRogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, the decisive moment came in the top of the ninth when reliever Jeff Hoffman, relief pitcher for the Blue Jays delivered an 88.5 mph splitter that caught Seattle outfielder Dominic Canzone looking for a game‑tying hit. The ball barely left the infield – a 57.9 mph exit velocity, 55° launch angle, and a 145‑foot flight that resulted in a soft pop‑out.
That final out sealed the score at 6‑2, a margin that felt comfortable after Toronto’s early‑inning surge. The Jays had taken an early 3‑0 lead in the first, courtesy of a two‑run single by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and a solo homer from George Springer. By the third inning, Seattle had clawed back a run, but the damage was done.
Key Performances and Tactical Moves
Beyond Hoffman’s clutch strikeout, starter Shane Bieber, starting pitcher logged six solid innings, surrendering just two runs on five hits while striking out nine. His fastball sat in the low‑90s, complemented by a nasty slider that kept Mariners hitters guessing.
On the other side, Seattle’s ace George Kirby, starting pitcher was ripped for three runs in the first two innings. Kirby’s 1.43 RPM spin rate on his fastball looked promising, but the Blue Jays’ timing was off that night.
Off the field, John Schneider, manager of the Blue Jays made a bold move in the fourth, pulling his left‑handed reliever and bringing in the right‑handed Hoffman to face the left‑handed Canzone. The decision paid off in spades.
Manager John Schneider’s Post‑Game Takeaway
In the post‑game interview, Schneider was all enthusiasm, stumbling over a few words but making the point crystal clear:
"This team, this group of men, um, are special, you know. Um, and you never know where the journey's going to lead, you know. It leads to a game seven in the LCS, and that's freaking awesome. I was impressed with the way they reacted after the game. You know, they kind of went about their routine and went about their business. So, um I don't really think about it in the moment, you know what I mean? You think about what you're trying to do. Uh it's pretty freaking cool that we are where we are. I'm not going to lie. Um and you got to keep your foot on the [gas]."
He paused, smiled, and added, "We've got a chance to write history, and I'm just grateful to be part of it." The quote may have been a little rambling, but the underlying confidence was unmistakable.
What Game 7 Means for Both Franchises
For Toronto, the win puts the club one step away from its first American League pennant since the 1993 World Series triumph. That was the year the Blue Jays stole the heart of a nation, and many fans still have the original "Double‑A" caps tucked away in a drawer.
Seattle, meanwhile, is on the cusp of a breakthrough that has eluded the franchise since its inception in 1977. The Mariners have never advanced past the ALCS, and a victory would send them to the Fall Classic for the first time in a 48‑year history.
Both teams will rely heavily on their ace starters. Game 7 is set for Monday, October 20, 2025, at 8:10 p.m. ET at Rogers Centre. The starting pitchers are confirmed: Seattle will go with George Kirby, while Toronto counters with Shane Bieber. Both are right‑handed, both are in the prime of their careers, and both have the tools to shut the door on a rival.
Historical Context: Blue Jays, Mariners, and the ALCS
The ALCS has a storied past. In 1992, the Blue Jays clinched their first championship by knocking off the Oakland Athletics. Eight years later, they repeated the feat against the Atlanta Braves. Since then, the franchise has come close a few times – most notably the 2022 ALCS – but never quite made it back.
The Mariners, on the other hand, have been the bridesmaid more often than the bride. Their best run came in 2001 when they won 116 games, only to fall short in the ALCS against the Yankees. The 2025 run feels different; the roster blends veteran poise (Kirby, Cal Raleigh’s backup) with youthful spark (outfielder Julio Rodríguez). If they win, they’ll become the first West Coast team from the Pacific Northwest to ever appear in a World Series.
Rogers Centre itself is a piece of baseball lore. Opened in 1989, it has hosted two World Series championships, countless All‑Star Games, and even a few concerts that made headlines for the wrong reasons. Its 44,500‑seat capacity makes for an electric atmosphere, and fans have already begun chanting “Let’s go Jays!” in anticipation of Monday’s showdown.
Key Facts
- Final score of Game 6: Blue Jays 6, Mariners 2
- Date and time: October 19, 2025, 10:45 p.m. ET
- Venue: Rogers Centre, Toronto
- Game 7 starters: George Kirby vs. Shane Bieber
- Blue Jays seeking first AL pennant since 1993; Mariners aiming for first World Series appearance ever
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Game 7 affect the Blue Jays' chances of winning a World Series?
A victory would send Toronto to the World Series for the first time since their 1993 championship, giving the franchise a shot at a second title. It also revitalizes a market that’s hungry for baseball, potentially boosting ticket sales, merchandise, and regional TV ratings for the next season.
What are the key factors that could decide Game 7?
Pitching depth is the biggest wild card. If Bieber can replicate his dominant performance and Kirby can keep Seattle’s lineup honest, the game will likely be decided by bullpen effectiveness and timely hitting. Defensive miscues could also swing momentum in a single‑run contest.
Who are the standout players to watch for Seattle?
Julio Rodríguez, the 24‑year‑old outfielder, has already logged a .328 batting average in the series. Catcher Luis Torrens provides a steady presence behind the plate, while closer Paul Smythe might be called upon to shut the door in the ninth if the game stays close.
What does a World Series appearance mean for the Mariners franchise?
It would be a landmark achievement, likely increasing franchise valuation by hundreds of millions, expanding the fan base beyond the Pacific Northwest, and solidifying Seattle’s status as a major‑league powerhouse. It could also accelerate stadium upgrades and corporate sponsorship deals.
When does the 2025 World Series begin?
The World Series is slated to start on Friday, October 24, 2025, with a best‑of‑seven format. The AL champion faces the NL champion, and games will be played in the winner’s home stadium unless a neutral venue is selected.