Jays beat Mariners 4-3 to reach World Series
Global News
Comeback wins were a big reason why the Toronto Blue Jays reached the American League Championship Series.
TORONTO – Comeback wins were a big reason why the Toronto Blue Jays reached the American League Championship Series.
George Springer topped them all with a come-from-behind moment that will go down as one of the biggest homers in franchise history.
Springer hit a go-ahead three-run shot in the seventh inning and closer Jeff Hoffman struck out the side in the ninth to lift the Blue Jays to a dramatic 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Monday night.
The victory gave Toronto its first AL pennant since 1993 and a berth in the World Series starting Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I knew I had got the guy in from third, which was all I was trying to do,” Springer said in a champagne-soaked locker-room. “And then it went out of the park. I’ll take it.”
With Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Addison Barger in scoring position, Springer’s 384-foot shot came off reliever Eduard Bazardo.
A run-scoring sacrifice fly was a gimme, but the ball kept carrying and just cleared the wall before landing in the first row of seats. It was Springer’s fourth homer of the post-season and 23rd of his playoff career.
“He’s one of the best to do it in the post-season,” Hoffman said. “I’m really happy that he’s on our side.”
