When the Seattle Mariners fell 4‑3 to the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre on Monday, October 20, 2025, the 2025 American League Championship Series finally produced a champion. The win sent Toronto to the World Series for the first time since 1993, while Seattle’s 49‑season drought stretched another year.
How the game unfolded
The night started with a modest crowd of 48,200 fans buzzing as the kickoff time of 8:10 p.m. ET approached. Seattle’s ace George Kirby, a left‑handed veteran, took the mound for the Mariners, while the Blue Jays countered with two‑time Cy Young winner Shane Bieber, who had posted a 3.85 ERA during the regular season.
Bieber settled in early, scattering two runs in the third and another in the fifth. Seattle answered back, stringing together three runs in the top of the fifth to take a 3‑1 lead. By the seventh inning, the Mariners still clung to that cushion, but a cascade of small mistakes set the stage for a dramatic reversal.
Key moments and turning points
Seattle’s rookie starter Bryan Woo (24) walked the leadoff batter, allowed a single, and surrendered a sacrifice bunt before being pulled after just 1 ⅔ innings. Right‑hander Eduard Bazardo (26) inherited the jam. On a 1‑2 count with one out, George Springer, the Blue Jays’ designated hitter, launched a three‑run splash that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Springer’s home run – his 166th career blast – came at roughly 10:15 p.m. ET, shifting the lead to 4‑3. He celebrated by leaping over the warning track and pumping his fists, a scene MLB.com described as “shaking Rogers Centre to its core.”
Seattle attempted a rally in the eighth, loading the bases with two outs, but a soft liner to right field was caught by veteran Cal Raleigh, the Mariners’ 28‑year‑old catcher. The final out came when a grounder rolled to shortstop J.P. Crawford, who snapped it for the double play, sealing Toronto’s advance.
Reactions from players and coaches
“It just sucks… it hurts,” Cal Raleigh said, his voice barely audible outside the Mariners’ clubhouse. The sentiment was echoed throughout the Seattle bench, where first‑round pick Victor Robles stared at the floor, unable to mask his disappointment.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider sprayed champagne on his players and quipped, “Touch ’em all, George, you’ll never hit a bigger home run in your life.” The locker‑room celebrations lasted well into the early hours, with teammates dousing each other in the iconic bubbly.
On the other side, Mariners manager Scott Servais (not marked as primary) praised his squad’s effort but admitted “the sting of coming so close again is something we’ll carry into the offseason.”
What this loss means for the Mariners
Seattle remains the only MLB franchise that has never appeared in a World Series. The defeat adds a painful chapter to a history that includes near‑misses in 1995, 1997, 2001 and 2022. With the season ending, the front office faces several contract decisions:
- J.P. Crawford has one year left on a $52 million extension signed in 2022.
- Victor Robles also enters the final year of his deal.
- Outfielder Randy Arozarena is arbitration‑eligible for the 2026 season.
- Veterans Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez will hit free agency, while Jorge Polanco is expected to test the market after a $6 million player option.
Analysts suggest Seattle could become a buyer at the upcoming trade deadline, targeting a power‑hitting third baseman to complement the young core. The lingering “no‑World‑Series” tag may also influence the team’s branding and fan‑engagement strategies moving forward.
Implications for the World Series
Toronto now faces the Los Angeles Dodgers, who clinched the National League pennant with a 5‑1 series win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The World Series is slated to begin on Friday, October 24, 2025, with Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 in Toronto and the remaining three in Los Angeles, following the league’s 2‑3‑2 home‑away format.
Springer’s clutch performance adds a narrative boost for the Blue Jays, who have never won a championship since their 1993 triumph. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, fresh off a 107‑win regular season, will look to shut down the Blue Jays’ power bat, especially the duo of Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
For baseball fans, the series promises a clash of styles: Seattle’s small‑ball, defense‑first approach versus Toronto’s heavy‑hitting, high‑octane offense. While the Mariners will be watching from the sidelines, their story will likely inform future postseason storylines about perseverance and the thin line between heartbreak and glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect the Seattle Mariners' offseason plans?
The defeat leaves Seattle with several key contracts expiring. With J.P. Crawford and Victor Robles entering the final year of their extensions, the club must decide whether to re‑sign them or explore trade alternatives. Free agents Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez could command market‑top fees, prompting general manager Jerry Dipoto to consider adding a power‑hitting third baseman before the deadline.
What does the Blue Jays' Game 7 win mean for the upcoming World Series?
Toronto’s comeback from a 0‑2 series hole and the dramatic Game 7 victory give the team massive momentum. Designated hitter George Springer, fresh off a three‑run homer, is now a focal point for the Dodgers’ pitching staff. The win also ends a 32‑year pennant drought, raising expectations among Canadian fans for a title run.
Who were the standout performers in Game 7?
George Springer’s seventh‑inning three‑run homer was the decisive play. Shane Bieber proved his worth by limiting Seattle to one run after the fifth. For the Mariners, Cal Raleigh’s defensive work behind the plate kept the game close, while J.P. Crawford’s double‑play in the ninth sealed the loss.
What historical significance does this series hold for both teams?
It was Toronto’s first Game 7 appearance since the 1985 ALCS, a series they lost to the Kansas City Royals. The victory also marked the first time the Blue Jays have clinched a World Series berth after losing the first two games at home – a first in MLB history. For Seattle, the loss extended their unique status as the only franchise never to reach the Fall Classic.
When and where will the 2025 World Series be played?
The series kicks off on Friday, October 24, 2025. Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 are scheduled for Rogers Centre in Toronto, while Games 3, 4 and 5 will be held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, following the league’s 2‑3‑2 format.