When Toronto Blue Jays ripped a 4‑3 win from the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the 2025 ALCS, the city of Toronto breathed a collective sigh of relief that hadn’t been heard since October 1993.
The drama unfolded inside the Rogers Centre on Monday, Oct 20, 2025, at roughly 8:30 PM EDT. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, 35‑year‑old center‑fielder George Springer launched a three‑run homer off reliever Eduard Bazardo, turning a tight contest into a decisive lead.
Road to Game 7: A roller‑coaster ALCS
The series began with the Blue Jays dropping the first two games at home – a shock that left fans clutching their seats. Yet the team rallied in Seattle, stealing two of three at T‑Mobile Park from Oct 14‑16. After evening the series 3‑3, the decisive Game 7 back in Toronto felt like a high‑stakes playoff for a city still nursing a 32‑year title drought.
Seattle’s starter, 26‑year‑old right‑hander Bryan Woo, walked shortstop Bo Bichette and allowed a single to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. before being pulled by manager Scott Servais. The move set the stage for Springer's game‑changing blast.
Springer’s three‑run home run: The turning point
At 8:47 PM, Bazardo entered the game with runners on first and second. Two minutes later, his 92.3 mph sinker caught the sweet spot of Springer's bat, sending the ball soaring over the left‑field wall. Field reporter Hazel Mae described the moment: “Springer leapt, fists in the air, sprinting the bases like a kid on a sugar rush.” The crowd’s roar registered as a 2.3‑point tremor on the University of Toronto’s seismic meters – a quirky reminder that baseball can shake more than just nerves.
That swing shifted the win probability from 38 % in Seattle’s favor to 71 % for Toronto, according to a Statcast model released the next day.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. earns ALCS MVP
While Springer stole the headlines, it was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who collected the statistical crown. He slashed .342 with three homers and eight RBIs across the five‑game stretch, a performance that earned him the ALCS Most Valuable Player award from MLB officials at 10:15 PM.
“Vlad’s consistency is the glue that holds this team together,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider, a former minor‑league catcher now in his third full season at the helm.
Celebrations, tickets and a trembling stadium
Fans rushed the field moments after the final out, prompting Tony Staffieri, CEO of Rogers Communications, to announce that the arena’s vibrations hit 2.3 on the Richter scale – a tongue‑in‑cheek metric that quickly trended on social media.
Blue Jays chairman Edward Rogers was spotted wearing a navy‑blue “1993” patch, a nostalgic nod to the franchise’s last championship. Meanwhile, MLSE president and CEO Michael Barrett reported that 28,417 tickets for the upcoming World Series Game 1 were already sold, with prices ranging from $125 to $2,500 CAD.
Looking ahead: Blue Jays versus Dodgers
Next up, the World Series will pit Toronto against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that veteran left‑hander Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for Game 1 on Oct 24, 2025, at 8:08 PM EDT.
Experts draw a parallel to the 1995 World Series, when the Angels upset the Reds in a similar East‑West showdown. “If history repeats, we could see a repeat of that classic drought‑breaker narrative,” noted baseball analyst Ken Rosenthal.
Regardless of who lifts the trophy, Toronto’s fans now have a tangible reason to believe the 1993 miracle can be reborn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the Blue Jays’ lineup change for the World Series?
Manager John Schneider said the everyday roster will stay largely intact, but he’s considering a bench refresh for left‑field, potentially giving Alejandro Kirk a start over Springer to preserve the veteran’s health.
What economic impact will the World Series have on Toronto?
The city council estimates an influx of up to $150 million in tourism revenue, driven by hotel bookings, restaurant sales, and merchandise. Local businesses are already reporting a 35 % surge in reservations for the weekend of Oct 24‑26.
Who are the key pitchers to watch in the upcoming series?
For Toronto, left‑hander Kevin Gausman will likely open, while the Dodgers will rely on veteran Clayton Kershaw for Game 1 and rising star Gerrit Cole for a potential Game 4 start.
What does this victory mean for the Mariners’ future?
Although the loss was heartbreaking, Seattle’s front office praised the resilience of their young core. Scouts highlighted pitcher Logan Gilbert as a breakout star who could be a cornerstone of the club’s rebuilding plan.
How does this ALCS compare to the 1992‑93 championship runs?
Both eras hinged on clutch hitting in late innings. In 1993, Joe Carter’s walk‑off homer sealed the title, while in 2025 it was Springer’s seventh‑inning blast that turned the tide. The similarity underscores Toronto’s historic knack for dramatic comebacks.
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