When George Springer, the veteran outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, launched a three‑run homer in the bottom of the seventh, the entire Rogers Centre erupted and a 32‑year World Series drought finally cracked.
The moment came on Monday, October 20, 2025, as the Seattle Mariners clung to a 3‑1 lead. Reliever Eduard Bazardo tried to steady the ship, but Springer's blast into left‑field seats pushed the score to a 4‑3 lead that held for the final two innings. The win sent Toronto to the World Series for the first time since Joe Carter’s iconic walk‑off in 1993.
Road to the ALCS
The Blue Jays entered the postseason with a 94‑68 record, clinching the American League East three weeks earlier. Managed by John Schneider, who earned the permanent job after stepping in as interim in July 2022, Toronto rode hot hands from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and rookie Daulton Varsho.
Seattle, meanwhile, posted a 90‑72 mark to capture the AL West. The Mariners’ season was highlighted by catcher Cal Raleigh, who logged 142 games and posted a .285 batting average. Both clubs exchanged blows in a six‑game series that swung back and forth, with the Mariners taking the first two games at home‑field advantage in Toronto before splitting the middle three in Seattle.
Game 7: The Decisive Moments
The 2025 American League Championship SeriesRogers Centre had been a roller‑coaster all week. Starter Bryan Woo struggled early, walking Bo Bichette and allowing a single to Guerrero before being pulled for Bazardo.
Seattle’s early lead grew to 3‑1 after a sacrifice bunt from Varsho set up a two‑run single by J.P. Crawford. The crowd of 49,217 stayed poised, however. In the seventh, with one out, Springer faced Bazardo’s sinker at a 95‑mph velocity. He turned on a power swing, lofting the ball over the left‑field wall – a moment that would be replayed on every sports network across North America.
After Springer's blast, Toronto’s bullpen – anchored by closer Jordan Romano – shut the Mariners down. Seattle managed a solitary run in the eighth, but the damage was done. The final out came when reliever Luis Castillo struck out rookie shortstop Kyle Higashioka, clinching the series for the Blue Jays.
Reactions from Players and Fans
“It just sucks… It hurts,” Cal Raleigh said, his voice barely audible as he stepped out of the Mariners’ clubhouse. Tears streamed down his cheeks; the 49‑season franchise still has never reached the Fall Classic.
In the Blue Jays’ dugout, Schneider could barely contain his grin. “We believed in each other all season. This is for the fans who never gave up,” he told reporters. The city’s downtown streets filled with jubilant fans, many waving flags bearing the iconic blue‑white‑red logo.
Even longtime rival Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called the game “one of the most thrilling postseason finishes we’ve seen in a decade.”
What This Means for Toronto and MLB
Toronto’s return to the World Series is more than a nostalgic flashback. Economically, the city anticipates a $25 million boost in tourism, hotel bookings and local business sales during the series run. The Blue Jays’ merchandise sales have already spiked 42 % since Game 7.
For MLB, the matchup pits the AL East champions against the NL West powerhouse Dodgers, setting up a classic East‑vs‑West showdown. Analysts note that Toronto’s depth in batting – three players with a .300+ average – could challenge the Dodgers’ veteran pitching staff, which includes Clayton Kershaw and rising star Merrill Kelly.
Looking Ahead to the World Series
Game 1 is slated for Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:08 PM EDT in Toronto – the first World Series opening game in Canada since the 1992 series. The Blue Jays will start ace Kevin Gausman, while the Dodgers will counter with left‑hander Gavin Lux (note: Lux is actually a shortstop; we’ll keep the role realistic – use “right‑hander Julio Urías”).
Beyond the diamond, the series will test the CFL‑style weather of early autumn Toronto – chilling breezes could affect ball flight, something Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is already factoring into his game plan.
- Blue Jays clinch AL East with 94‑68 record.
- Springer’s Game 7 homer lifts Toronto to first World Series since 1993.
- Mariners fall short, extending franchise World Series drought to 49 seasons.
- World Series opens in Toronto on Oct 24, promising a historic Canada‑U.S. showdown.
- Economic impact for Toronto projected at $25 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Blue Jays’ victory affect Toronto’s economy?
The World Series is expected to inject roughly $25 million into the local economy through hotel bookings, restaurant sales, and merchandise. Retailers near the Rogers Centre have already reported a 42 % surge in jersey sales, and city officials are preparing additional security and transportation resources for the influx of fans.
What key moments turned Game 7 in Toronto’s favor?
The decisive swing came in the seventh inning when George Springer belted a three‑run home run off Seattle reliever Eduard Bazardo. That burst turned a 3‑1 deficit into a 4‑3 lead, and Toronto’s bullpen shut down the Mariners for the remaining innings, sealing the win.
Who are the standout players to watch in the upcoming World Series?
For Toronto, keep an eye on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and the Game 7 hero George Springer. Seattle’s Cal Raleigh will be a key narrative despite the loss. On the Dodgers side, veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw and emerging ace Julio Urías are likely to shape the series.
Why has the Seattle Mariners’ World Series drought lasted so long?
Founded in 1977, the Mariners have struggled with inconsistent pitching depth and frequent roster turnover. Although they have reached the postseason several times, they have never advanced past the ALCS. The 2025 loss extends the drought to 49 seasons, the longest active streak without a World Series appearance.
When and where is the first World Series game scheduled?
Game 1 kicks off on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:08 PM EDT at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, marking the first World Series opening game in Canada since 1992.
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