On Sunday night, October 19, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, the Toronto Blue Jays beat Seattle Mariners 6‑2 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, forcing a winner‑take‑all Game 7.
John Schneider, manager of the Toronto Blue Jays said his club “didn’t buckle after that crushing Game 5 loss in Seattle.” Here’s the thing: the Jays entered the night with a 3‑2 series deficit but had the league’s best home record all season.
Seattle entered Game 6 needing a win to stay alive; a 6‑2 victory put Toronto ahead 4‑3 and set up a decisive showdown on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the same venue.
- Final score: Blue Jays 6, Mariners 2
- Series tied at 3‑3 after Game 7
- Winning pitcher: Trey Yesavage (6 IP, 0 ER)
- Home runs: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Addison Barger
- Next opponent: Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 World Series
Series Context and Stakes
The ALCS began on October 12, with Toronto taking a 2‑0 lead before Seattle roared back to force a 3‑2 edge. The Mariners survived a wild 15‑inning Game 5, thanks to a late grand slam by Eugenio Suárez, but they stumbled in Game 6, going just 6‑for‑40 with runners in scoring position since Game 3.
Both clubs have something to prove. The Blue Jays are chasing their first World Series berth since 1993, while the Mariners are still hunting that elusive “Fall Classic” appearance that has eluded the franchise since its inception in 1977.
Game 6 Highlights
The first inning saw Toronto’s leadoff batter reach base on an error by Seattle shortstop Julio Rodríguez, setting a tone of defensive lapses that would haunt the Mariners all night.
In the third, Trey Yesavage settled in, striking out two and inducing a double play that erased a potential Mariners rally.
But wait—fifth inning fireworks changed the narrative. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smacked a solo shot to left‑center, ending Logan Gilbert’s night early. Two batters later, Addison Barger launched a two‑run homer, pushing the lead to 4‑0.
The Mariners managed a lone run in the sixth after a sac fly, but Yesavage’s composure shut them down, and he finished with six scoreless innings, three strikeouts, and three consecutive double‑play grounders in the sixth.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Yesavage’s outing was remarkable not just for the shutout but for the way he handled pressure. He became the first rookie in Jays history to generate three double plays in a single postseason game, a statistic that analysts are already calling “career‑defining.”
Guerrero’s early homer was the catalyst. After his blast, Toronto’s bullpen settled in, allowing reliever Matt Brash to hold Seattle to one run in the seventh.
Meanwhile, Addison Barger proved his value beyond a rookie’s expectations, delivering clutch hits in both the fifth and eighth innings.
Mariners' Struggles and Errors
Seattle’s defensive woes were glaring. The three errors—two by Rodríguez and one by catcher Cal Raleigh—directly led to three of Toronto’s runs. An additional misplay by Eugenio Suárez on a scorching grounder allowed Ernie Clement to reach base and later score.
Even when the Mariners managed to get on base, they couldn’t string hits together. Their OPS with runners in scoring position sat at a paltry .186 for the night, echoing a series‑long trend of .150 since Game 3.
What Game 7 Could Hold
Both clubs are expected to bring their ace arms to the mound. Seattle might turn to Luis Castillo, who tossed a gritty 8‑inning effort in Game 5, while Toronto could rely on rookie sensation Yesavage again or go to veteran Chris Bassitt for a fresh look.
Analysts say the key will be minimizing mistakes. The Mariners cannot afford another error, and the Blue Jays will look to keep the pressure on Seattle’s lineup, which has struggled to hit with runners in scoring position all series.
Historical Perspective
Historically, teams that hold a 3‑2 lead in a best‑of‑seven series close it 70.8% of the time in League Championship matchups. That statistic gives Toronto a statistical edge, but baseball is a fickle sport—remember the 2014 ALCS where the Royals erased a 3‑1 deficit.
Regardless, the narrative is clear: a win for Toronto means a return to the World Series after a 32‑year drought; a win for Seattle would be franchise‑first history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Game 7 outcome affect Toronto fans?
A victory would send the Blue Jays to the World Series for the first time since 1993, sparking city‑wide celebrations, a surge in merchandise sales, and likely a boost in ticket demand for the 2026 season.
What are the chances Seattle will break its World Series drought?
Statistically, the Mariners are the underdog. Their historic win‑less record in League Championship Series (0‑6) and a series ERA of 5.12 suggest they need an exceptional performance from Luis Castillo and flawless defense to prevail.
When and where will Game 7 be played?
Game 7 is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, at 8:05 p.m. ET, inside Rogers Centre in Toronto.
What have experts said about the series turning point?
Baseball analysts highlighted Yesavage’s double‑play streak as a “momentum swing” and noted that the Mariners’ three errors were “uncharacteristic” for a team that had been hot on the road.
Who could be the MVP of the ALCS?
If Toronto wins, Yesavage is a strong candidate, given his six scoreless innings and double‑play heroics. For Seattle, a dominant outing from Luis Castillo could swing the vote.
